Vietnam issues new rules for penalties for crypto assets, with a maximum fine of 200 million VND, effective September 1

PANews July 20 news: The Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 284/2026/NĐ-CP, which systemically regulates administrative violations related to crypto assets and their markets, as well as fine amounts and enforcement authority and responsibilities. The decree covers violation scenarios including token issuance, operation of trading venues, obligations of service institutions, investor trading conduct, cross-border fund transfers, data misuse, as well as anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. It imposes fines up to 200 million Vietnamese đồng for institutions, and up to 100 million Vietnamese đồng for individuals, and may also add measures such as suspending business operations, revoking licenses, and confiscating illegal proceeds. The decree will take effect on September 1, 2026 within the framework of the crypto assets pilot markets, and will be implemented in conjunction with related anti-money laundering and digital industry laws. Key points include:

Fine caps: Organizations—200 million Vietnamese đồng (about RMB 54k), individuals—halved

Providing trading services or marketing without authorization: fined 180 million to 200 million Vietnamese đồng; confiscation of tools, dismantling of systems, and remitting illegal proceeds

Violations in token issuance: fined 150 million to 200 million Vietnamese đồng; mandatory cancellation of issuance and full refunds

Domestic investors trading without using a licensed platform: fined 30 million to 50 million Vietnamese đồng

Anti-money laundering violations (anonymous accounts, failure to report suspicious transactions, etc.): maximum fine of 200 million Vietnamese đồng, with the business potentially suspended for 6 to 12 months