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- From January 20, 2026, Vietnam begins accepting applications for cryptocurrency trading market licences.
- Organisations must meet strict financial, personnel, and technological requirements to qualify.
- Several banks and securities companies have already prepared to operate cryptocurrency exchanges.
Vietnam has officially opened the process for organisations to apply for licences to provide crypto trading services. The Ministry of Finance issued Decision No. The decision introduces three key procedures. Organisations can now apply to receive a licence, request adjustments to an existing licence, or submit for licence revocation.
Full details, including required documents and step-by-step guidance, are available in the decision’s appendix on the State Securities Commission’s website. Industry statistics indicate that approximately 10 securities firms and banks plan to enter Vietnam’s cryptocurrency trading market once licensing begins. Among securities companies, SSI Securities created SSI Digital Technology Joint Stock Company in 2022.
Vietnamese Banks and Firms Expand into Crypto
Recently, SSI Digital partnered with SSI Fund Management, Tether, U2U Network, and Amazon Web Services to develop a blockchain-based digital financial ecosystem in Vietnam. VIX Securities helped establish VIX Cryptocurrency Exchange and collaborated with FPT to prepare its technological infrastructure.
In the banking sector, MB Bank partnered with South Korea’s Upbit operator, Dunamu, to create a Vietnamese cryptocurrency exchange. MB also focuses on legal frameworks, operational standards, and investor protection. Techcombank formed Techcom Cryptocurrency Exchange (TCEX) with significant capital investment.
The bank now includes a cryptocurrency section on its TCBS price board to track popular digital assets. VPBank also confirmed that it has prepared the necessary technology and personnel to start operations as soon as licensing approval arrives.
The government requires all applicants to meet strict standards. Organisations must be Vietnamese enterprises with legal registration and a minimum charter capital of 10,000 billion VND in Vietnamese Dong.
Crypto Firms Face Capital and Staff Requirements in Vietnam
At least 65% of capital must come from institutions, with 35% contributed by two or more qualified banks, securities firms, fund managers, insurers, or tech companies. Organizations must maintain a legal office, sufficient facilities, and robust technological systems.
Leadership must possess strong expertise: the General Director requires at least two years of experience in finance, banking, or securities, while the Chief Technology Officer requires five years of experience in IT.
Additionally, organizations must employ at least 10 technology staff with cybersecurity certifications and 10 operational staff with security certifications. Vietnam’s licensing move reflects a major step toward regulating cryptocurrency markets.
The framework ensures that only well-prepared, compliant organizations enter the market. Banks and securities companies that have invested in infrastructure and partnerships stand ready to launch services as soon as approval arrives.
Related Reading: Bitcoin Open Interest Plummets as Binance Dominates – What’s Behind the Shift?
