Vietnam Opens Licensing Window for Regulated Crypto Trading Platforms

[cryptoenthusiast]

Vietnam has officially begun accepting applications for licenses to operate digital asset trading platforms, marking the operational start of its long-planned pilot program for a regulated crypto market.

The State Securities Commission of Vietnam opened the licensing window on Jan. 20, following new administrative procedures issued under Decision No. 96 by the Ministry of Finance. The move follows the implementation of Vietnam’s Law on the Digital Technology Industry, which for the first time defines digital and crypto assets in statute.

While crypto assets are recognized as property, they remain excluded from legal tender status, and their use as a means of payment is still restricted.

The regulator framed the licensing process as part of a broader effort to bring crypto activity under formal regulatory oversight.

[kevin1]

high barriers to entry + no foreign majority = vietnam is clearly aiming for a domestic, tightly controlled market. not exactly a playground for startups.