Vietnam proposed allowing SMEs to use digital assets and intellectual property as collateral for bank loans.
Crypto Regulation News
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance has proposed allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to use digital assets, virtual assets, and intellectual property as collateral for bank loans. The proposal is part of a draft revised Law on Support for SMEs. The draft is open for public consultation, according to a May 30 report by Vietnam News.
Under the proposed framework, businesses could also secure credit using intangible assets, future-formed assets, and property rights. Many startups and technology companies hold patents, software, or other intellectual property but have no physical assets to pledge to lenders. The proposal would open formal credit access to thousands of such firms currently excluded from the banking system.
SMEs Make Up 98% of Vietnam's Businesses
SMEs and household businesses make up more than 98% of all enterprises in Vietnam. Despite this, loans to the sector account for only around 20% of total bank credit in the economy. The Ministry attributed the gap to a lack of eligible collateral, limited financial transparency, and small capital bases among most small businesses.
The draft law also calls on lenders to base credit decisions on business plans, credit ratings, cash flows, and market potential. The proposal moves away from reliance on fixed physical assets as the primary lending criteria. Additional incentives for green and sustainable businesses are included, covering preferential credit access and interest-rate support for circular economy and energy-saving projects. Tax incentives and ESG compliance support are part of the draft as well.
Vietnam ranks fourth in Chainalysis' 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, behind India, the US, and Pakistan. The country is one of the most active crypto markets in the world.
Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi said Vietnam could see its first regulated crypto market activity as early as Q3 2026. He made the comments at the Digital Trust in Finance 2026 forum.
Regulators opened a licensing pathway for domestic crypto trading platforms in March. Five companies, including affiliates of Techcombank, VPBank and LPBank, passed an initial qualification round to launch the country's first regulated exchange.
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