Vietnam vs Zimbabwe
Crypto regulation comparison
Vietnam
Zimbabwe
Vietnam passed the Law on Digital Technology Industry in June 2025 (effective January 2026), officially recognizing crypto as legal virtual assets. However, the SBV still bans crypto as a payment method. The law requires AML/cybersecurity compliance for all crypto activities. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top globally in crypto adoption. Ministry of Finance to issue detailed guidance before 2026.
Zimbabwe has restricted cryptocurrency through its central bank. The RBZ banned financial institutions from processing crypto transactions in 2018. However, in a unique move, the RBZ issued gold-backed digital tokens (ZiG tokens) in 2023 as a store of value. Zimbabwe has a history of currency instability (hyperinflation, currency collapses) which drives informal crypto adoption for hedging and remittances.
Key Points
- Law on Digital Technology Industry (June 2025) recognizes crypto as legal virtual assets
- SBV still bans crypto as payment method; not recognized as legal tender
- Vietnam ranks #1 globally in crypto adoption (Chainalysis 2023 index)
- AML and cybersecurity compliance required for all crypto trading activities
- Ministry of Finance to issue detailed crypto regulatory guidance before January 2026
Key Points
- RBZ banned banks and financial institutions from servicing crypto in 2018
- RBZ issued gold-backed digital tokens (ZiG) in 2023 as a CBDC-like instrument
- No licensing framework for crypto exchanges
- Informal crypto adoption driven by currency instability and remittance needs
- Crypto ownership itself is not explicitly criminalized for individuals