Vietnam shortlists firms for first regulated crypto platforms
A pilot scheme for domestic exchanges is expected soon, with five companies, including bank affiliates, VIX Securities, and Sun Group, already shortlisted.
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Add us on Google by Vivian Nguyen Mar. 17, 2026Vietnam is moving to launch its first licensed crypto exchanges as part of a plan to reduce reliance on overseas platforms and better control capital flows.
According to a March 12 finance ministry document reviewed by Reuters, five companies passed an initial qualification round for Vietnam’s pilot crypto exchange program, including affiliates of Techcombank (TCEX), VPBank (CAEX), and LPBank (LPEX), as well as stockbroker VIX Securities and conglomerate Sun Group.
Vietnam plans a 0.1% personal income tax on crypto transactions via licensed platforms as part of a five-year pilot program that began in September 2025.
Licensed exchanges must meet capital requirements of 10 trillion VND ($380 million) and cap foreign ownership at 49%. Currently, only CAEX is in the process of reaching this threshold.
The country is a top global crypto market, but authorities are increasingly concerned about capital outflows and are drafting rules that may restrict citizens from using foreign exchanges.
Due to limited investment options, many Vietnamese investors turn to crypto, gold, or property. Since crypto assets are not legally recognized, most trading currently happens on international platforms.
The upcoming implementation of a formal legal framework and the approval of new domestic exchanges are set to challenge Binance’s long-standing dominance, while supporting the growth of Vietnam’s domestic digital economy.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Vivian Nguyen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
