Vietnam is taking a major step toward digital financial innovation with plans to launch a national centralized cryptocurrency exchange (CEX) by 2025. This landmark initiative, backed by the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Vietnam, and Techcom Securities, represents the government’s most definitive move yet to regulate and integrate digital assets into the formal financial system.
The project was announced during a recent press conference, where a Deputy Minister of Finance confirmed the government’s commitment to developing a secure, legal trading platform for digital assets. The centralized exchange will serve as a regulated infrastructure for cryptocurrency trading, ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements in line with international standards.
A major partner in the pilot initiative, Techcombank, is reportedly leading the charge on the technological front, developing the underlying systems to support tokenized securities and digital asset trading within a compliant framework.
Vietnam’s crypto regulatory ambitions are also closely linked to its broader geopolitical and economic objectives—particularly its bid to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Gray List. By creating a state-sanctioned CEX and enhancing its digital asset oversight, Vietnam aims to demonstrate its adherence to global financial security and transparency benchmarks.
“Vietnam is advancing a legal framework for digital assets by promoting the pilot implementation of a centralized cryptocurrency exchange (CEX), alongside the draft Law on Digital Technology Industry that is expected to be passed in May. These efforts demonstrate the Government’s strong commitment to creating a clear regulatory environment for digital assets,”
— Phan Đức Trung, Chairman, Vietnam Blockchain Association
To support this initiative, a high-level seminar will be held in March 2025 in Hanoi, bringing together government ministries, financial institutions, blockchain industry leaders, and compliance experts. The event aims to refine the operational and legal contours of the centralized exchange and explore how blockchain technology can be aligned with Vietnam’s national financial strategy.
The proposed Law on Digital Technology Industry, expected to pass in May 2025, will also form a legal backbone for Vietnam’s emerging digital economy. This legislation is expected to define the role of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, in the broader tech and finance landscape.
Vietnam’s push to develop a government-regulated cryptocurrency exchange marks a bold move in a region where many nations remain cautious or inconsistent in their digital asset regulation. With strong institutional backing and a focus on legal clarity, Vietnam is positioning itself as a regional leader in blockchain regulation and innovation.
As the pilot project progresses, all eyes will be on the 2025 Hanoi seminar and the finalization of the Digital Technology Law—both of which could set a precedent for state-backed crypto frameworks across Southeast Asia.
June 2025, Cryptoniteuae