Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed allowing petite and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to apply digital assets, virtual assets and intellectual property as collateral for bank loans.

The proposal is part of the draft amended act on support for SMEs, which is open to public consultation, According to – according to Friday’s Vietnam News report. Under this framework, companies could secure loans using future assets, property rights, theoretical assets and digital or virtual assets.

SMEs and household enterprises account for more than 98% of all businesses in Vietnam, but outstanding loans to this segment only account for about 20% of total bank credit in the economy, according to the report. The ministry attributed the imbalance to the lack of qualified collateral, narrow financial transparency and the petite capital base of most SMEs.

The report found that many startups and technology-based companies have valuable software, patents or intellectual property, but no land or physical assets to pledge. The fresh proposal marks a policy change that could open access to credit for thousands of startups and technology companies that are currently excluded from the formal lending system.

Related: Bithumb enters the crypto licensing race in Vietnam with a deal with SSI Digital

Vietnam wants banks to lend business plans

The project also encourages lending institutions to expand lending based on credit ratings, business plans, cash flows and market potential, and not solely on the basis of fixed assets.

In addition to the safeguards reform, the bill sets out incentives for green and sustainable businesses, including preferential access to loan guarantees, preferential financing and interest rate support for circular economy and energy saving projects. Tax incentives and support for environmental, social and governance compliance reporting are also included.

The project is currently submitted for public consultation.

Vietnam has become one of the most dynamic cryptocurrency markets in the world, ranking fourth in Chainalytic’s 2025 global cryptocurrency adoption index, behind India, the United States and Pakistan.

Global Cryptocurrency Adoption Index. Source: Chain Analysis

Related: Vietnam arrests suspects linked to ONUS in alleged crypto fraud case

Vietnam plans to launch a regulated cryptocurrency market in the third quarter

Vietnam could see its first regulated cryptocurrency market activity as early as the third quarter of 2026, Cointelegraph reported, said Deputy Finance Minister Nguyen Duc Chi at the Digital Trust in Finance 2026 forum.

In March, regulators opened the licensing pathway for domestic cryptocurrency trading platforms, and five companies, including affiliates Techcombank, VPBank and LPBank, have already passed the pre-qualification round to launch the country’s first regulated exchange.

Warehouse: Guide to Top and Emerging Global Cryptocurrency Hubs – Mid 2026