Hanoi, June 2, 2026 — In a significant step toward integrating digital assets into traditional finance, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed amendments allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to use digital assets, virtual assets, and intellectual property as collateral for bank loans.

The draft revision to the Law on Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises expands acceptable collateral types beyond traditional physical assets. It now includes future-formed assets, property rights, intangible assets, digital assets, and virtual assets.

Addressing the SME Financing Gap

SMEs constitute over 98% of registered enterprises in Vietnam but receive only about 19-20% of total bank credit. This proposal aims to close a substantial credit gap — estimated at around $24 billion — by enabling banks to accept more diverse and modern forms of collateral, particularly valuable for technology startups and crypto-native businesses that often lack real estate or heavy machinery.

The Ministry of Finance highlighted that the change would improve capital access for private companies and innovative firms whose primary assets are often intellectual property or digital holdings.

Building on Crypto Momentum

Vietnam has emerged as one of the most crypto-active countries in Southeast Asia, with high adoption rates among its young population. This proposal builds on the country’s 2025 Digital Technology Industry Law, which provided initial legal recognition for cryptocurrencies.

If approved, the amendments would allow commercial banks to accept crypto and tokenized assets as valid collateral, subject to them being lawful under Vietnamese regulations. Implementation is targeted for July 1, 2027, following review by the National Assembly in October 2026.

Potential Impact on Crypto Adoption and Liquidity

This forward-looking move could significantly boost crypto adoption and liquidity in Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian region by bridging decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional banking.

Key potential benefits include:

• Increased financing access for blockchain and tech startups.
• Greater institutional acceptance of digital assets.
• Higher liquidity in local crypto markets as assets gain practical utility.
• Economic growth through better support for SMEs, which are key drivers of innovation and employment.

However, challenges remain. Banks will need robust frameworks for valuing volatile digital assets, managing custody, and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering rules. Not all digital assets will automatically qualify — they must meet legal standards.

Regional Significance

The proposal signals Vietnam’s progressive stance on digital assets compared to many other Asian nations. It positions the country as a potential leader in Southeast Asia’s evolving crypto regulatory landscape and could encourage similar policies in neighboring markets.

As public consultation on the draft has recently concluded, stakeholders from the banking, crypto, and SME sectors are closely watching the next steps. If passed, this could mark a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s journey toward mainstream blockchain integration and a more inclusive financial system.

This development underscores a broader regional trend: treating digital assets not just as speculative instruments but as legitimate economic tools capable of supporting real-world business growth.