Since January 1, 2026, when the Law on Digital Technology Industry officially comes into effect, Vietnam has reached a significant milestone, becoming the 46th country in the world to recognize and legalize crypto assets. This is XEM a pivotal step, marking a clear shift from a "spontaneous market" phase to a phase of regulated and directed development for the blockchain and digital asset sector in Vietnam.
The legalization of cryptocurrencies is taking place against the backdrop of a rapidly developing domestic market over the past several years, with the number of participants and Capital inflows among the highest globally. According to international statistics, Vietnam currently has approximately 17 million people holding cryptocurrencies, and at one point this number reached around 21 million. By 2025, Vietnam is expected to be among the top 7 countries with the largest number of cryptocurrency owners in the world, surpassing many developed economies.
The global picture also shows a growing trend toward the legalization of cryptocurrencies. As of May 2025, out of 75 countries surveyed, 45 had enacted laws or legal frameworks recognizing the legality of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, approximately 20 countries implemented partial restrictions, while only 10 maintained a complete ban. Notably, among the countries that have legalized cryptocurrencies, 12 are G20 nations, representing about 57% of global GDP, indicating that major economies are increasingly viewing cryptocurrencies as an indispensable part of the future financial and technological system.
In Vietnam, at a Chia forum on legal aspects and development models for the digital asset market held at the end of January 2026, a representative of the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association emphasized that the enactment of the Law on Digital Technology Industry has officially placed Vietnam among the countries with a legal framework for crypto assets. However, she also frankly acknowledged that over the years, the market's development has outpaced the legal framework, creating gaps in management, data, and investor protection.
Another highlight is the very high inflow of blockchain Capital and crypto assets into Vietnam compared to the region. Vietnam is currently among the top 3 in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of blockchain-related Capital flowing into the domestic economy. In 2025 alone, the total value of this Capital flow is estimated at approximately US$220 billion, double the Medium of the previous three years. This figure reflects the strong appeal of the Vietnamese market to Web3 projects, blockchain startups, and international investors.
Notably, Vietnam currently holds a leading global position in the percentage of young freelancers owning cryptocurrency. According to a survey across 85 countries, over 85% of young freelancers in Vietnam own or use cryptocurrency, a significantly higher rate than the rest of the world. This trend is linked to the boom in the digital economy, remote work, and cross-border cryptocurrency payments in recent years.
