Why does Vietnam want to allow crypto and digital assets as loan collateral?

The government says many SMEs and startups struggle to access bank financing because they lack traditional collateral such as land or buildings. By recognising digital assets and intellectual property, more businesses could qualify for loans and expand operations.

How important are SMEs to Vietnam's economy?

SMEs and household businesses account for more than 98% of all enterprises in Vietnam. Despite their importance, they receive only about 20% of total bank credit, highlighting a significant financing gap.

What types of assets could Vietnamese businesses use as collateral under the proposal?

The draft law would allow businesses to pledge digital assets, virtual assets, intellectual property, property rights, future-formed assets and other intangible assets. This would significantly broaden the range of collateral accepted by lenders.

How could the proposal benefit technology startups?

Many technology companies own valuable software, patents and intellectual property but have few physical assets. The proposed changes could help these firms secure financing without needing traditional collateral such as real estate.

Does this mean banks in Vietnam will accept cryptocurrency as collateral?

Not yet. The proposal is still under consultation and has not become law. If approved, banks would still need regulatory frameworks and risk management standards before broadly accepting digital assets as collateral.

How does this proposal fit into Vietnam's broader crypto strategy?

Vietnam has been gradually developing a regulated digital asset framework while encouraging innovation in the sector. The proposal complements efforts to launch regulated crypto market activity and create a legal pathway for digital asset businesses.

How active is Vietnam in cryptocurrency adoption?

Vietnam ranks fourth in Chainalysis' 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, behind India, the United States and Pakistan. The country has consistently ranked among the world's most active crypto markets in recent years.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Vietnam opens door to crypto-backed SME loans

Written by Liezl GambePublished Jun. 1 2026Last Updated Jun. 1 2026

Vietnam's Ministry of Finance has proposed allowing small and medium-sized enterprises to use digital assets, virtual assets and intellectual property as collateral for bank loans under a draft revision of the country's Law on Support for SMEs.

The proposal would enable businesses to secure financing using future-formed assets, property rights, intangible assets and digital holdings, marking a significant shift in how lenders assess collateral.

The Ministry said the changes are intended to address financing challenges faced by SMEs, which account for more than 98% of enterprises in Vietnam but receive only around 20% of total bank credit due to limited eligible collateral and financial transparency.

Many startups and technology companies possess valuable software, patents and intellectual property but lack physical assets such as land or buildings that banks traditionally require to secure loans.

The draft legislation also encourages banks to expand lending based on credit ratings, business plans, cash flow projections and market potential rather than relying solely on fixed assets.

In addition, the proposal includes support measures for green and sustainable businesses through preferential credit guarantees, concessional financing, interest-rate subsidies and incentives linked to environmental, social and governance reporting requirements.

The reforms come as Vietnam strengthens its position as one of the world's most active crypto markets, ranking fourth in Chainalysis' 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index behind India, the United States and Pakistan.

The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to establish a regulated crypto sector, with Vietnamese authorities expecting the country's first regulated crypto market activity to begin as early as the third quarter of 2026 following the launch of a licensing framework for digital asset trading platforms.