Vietnam Issues Decree Imposing Fines for Unlicensed Crypto Trading

Vietnam issued Decree No. 284/2026/NĐ-CP on July 16, imposing administrative penalties for use of unlicensed cryptocurrency platforms. The decree establishes fines up to 50 million Vietnamese dong ($1,900) for investors trading through unlicensed platforms and up to 200 million dong ($7,700) for unauthorized crypto offerings and serious anti-money laundering violations, with rules taking effect on Sept. 1. The penalties add an enforcement framework to Vietnam's regulated crypto market, following the country's opening of license applications for domestic exchanges in January and Deputy Finance Minister Nguyen Duc Chi's statement in May that regulated activities could begin in the third quarter.

Decree No. 284/2026/NĐ-CP Establishes Fine Structure for Unlicensed Trading

Decrree No. 284/2026/NĐ-CP imposes fines of up to 50 million Vietnamese dong ($1,900) on investors who trade through unlicensed platforms. The decree sets fines of up to 200 million dong ($7,700) for unauthorized crypto offerings and serious anti-money laundering (AML) violations. The rules take effect on Sept. 1.

Authorities Gain Powers to Suspend Activities and Confiscate Assets

The decree authorizes authorities to suspend crypto-related activities, revoke licenses and confiscate assets. These enforcement powers accompany the fine structure established in Decree No. 284/2026/NĐ-CP.

Vietnam Opened Exchange Licensing in January Ahead of Q3 Launch

Vietnam opened license applications for domestic crypto exchanges in January. Deputy Finance Minister Nguyen Duc Chi said in May the market could see its first regulated activities begin in the third quarter. Vietnam ranked fourth globally in Chainalysis' 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. Chainalysis separately estimated Vietnamese traders moved more than $220 billion in digital assets between July 2024 and June 2025.

FAQ

What fines did Vietnam establish for unlicensed crypto trading? Vietnam's Decree No. 284/2026/NĐ-CP, issued on July 16, imposes fines of up to 50 million Vietnamese dong ($1,900) on investors who trade through unlicensed platforms and up to 200 million dong ($7,700) for unauthorized crypto offerings and serious anti-money laundering violations.

When does Vietnam's crypto penalty decree take effect? Decrree No. 284/2026/NĐ-CP takes effect on Sept. 1.

When did Vietnam open crypto exchange license applications? Vietnam opened license applications for domestic crypto exchanges in January, and Deputy Finance Minister Nguyen Duc Chi stated in May that the market could see its first regulated activities begin in the third quarter.