Vietnam Set to Launch Regulated Crypto Exchange by Q3 2026, Boosting Digital Economy

Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi announced that the country could officially launch its first regulated digital asset exchange as early as the third quarter of 2026.

Speaking at the Digital Trust in Finance 2026 forum in Hanoi, he revealed that five entities have been approved to prepare for a pilot program under the government's Resolution No. 05.

Regulatory Milestone

This pilot framework represents Vietnam's pioneering legal structure for digital assets, developed in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security and the State Bank of Vietnam.

The first two frontrunners, TCEX backed by Techcombank affiliates and SCEX linked to LPBank and Sacombank, highlight major banks' entry into crypto.

Historical Context

Vietnam has long ranked among the world's top crypto adoption nations despite past regulatory ambiguity and bans on using crypto as payment.

New laws effective from January 2026 formally recognized digital assets, shifting from a gray zone to structured oversight.

Broader Digital Ambitions

The launch aligns with Resolution No. 57 from December 2024, targeting a digital economy comprising 30% of GDP by 2030 and 80% cashless transactions.

For everyday Vietnamese, this means safer crypto trading, reducing risks from unregulated platforms and scams that have plagued informal markets.

Industry experts see this as a magnet for foreign investment and fintech talent, positioning Vietnam as an ASEAN crypto contender against leaders like Singapore.

A non-obvious angle: With remittances exceeding $18 billion annually, a regulated exchange could streamline cross-border transfers using stablecoins, benefiting millions of overseas workers.

Post-pilot, full regulations may include taxes like 0.1% on transactions, balancing innovation with revenue.

Ultimately, this step empowers young, tech-savvy Vietnamese to participate in global finance securely, fostering economic inclusion and growth.