E-wallet firm MoMo is expected to promote non-cash payments in public services in Vietnam. — Screenshot from momo.vn

According to the drafting agency, cryptocurrency is not a new currency but only an expression of legal currency in the form of a tool or means of payment, which is used to make payment transactions.

Many countries around the world have issued regulations on the management of cryptocurrency, in which cryptocurrency is considered a means of payment.

In Vietnam, in current legal documents, the term "cryptocurrency" is mentioned in the Law on Anti-Money Laundering, but this term has not been explained in sub-law documents.

To keep up with the development of payment products, the drafting agency said it is necessary to clarify cryptocurrency, synchronise legal regulations to develop payment products provided in the form of cryptocurrency and facilitate the development of e-commerce.

The drafting agency said that, in essence, cryptocurrency is considered a means of payment containing monetary value stored on electronic devices, with the forms of prepaid cards, e-wallets and mobile money.

Prepaid cards and e-wallets have become quite popular recently. Meanwhile, mobile money is still a new content being deployed by the Ministry of Information and Communications and the SBV.
Regarding mobile money, the SBV is asking for clarification on mobile money provision, mobile money security mechanisms and identification of mobile money service users.

Đấu thầu (Bidding) newspaper quoted lawyer Truong Thanh Duc, chairman of the board of members of Basico Law Firm, as saying that regulations on cryptocurrecncy are available but lacking.
He said it is necessary to add more regulations to ensure proper understanding, and to give a clear distinction between legal cryptocurrency and virtual currencies, which are not recognised legally yet.

“It is necessary to clarify mobile money and its scope of activities before popularising this form of payment,” he said.

In addition to explaining the concept in the decree, the lawyer said the need to enhance the security and safety for cryptocurrency users is important as there have been a lot of cases of losing money via cryptocurrency transactions in recent times.

Vietnam resolved to fight money laundering, terrorist financing

The Party, Government, ministries and agencies of Vietnam have high political resolve to realise the national action plan on fighting money laundering and terrorist financing for 2015-2020, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue said on November 8.

Ministry of Construction urges strengthening of anti-money laundering in realty

The Ministry of Construction has requested its department in cities and provinces urge enterprises in the real estate sector to report suspicious transactions and cash transactions worth VND300 million and above.  

High-value property transactions must be reported

The Ministry of Construction has told the local construction departments to force property traders and exchanges to report cash transactions of VND300 million or more.   

VNS