Vietnam to let SMEs use digital, IP assets as loan collateral

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a draft revision to the Law on Support for SMEs that would allow small and medium-sized enterprises to use digital assets, virtual assets, future-formed assets and intellectual property as collateral for bank loans. The draft is open for public consultation.

SMEs and household businesses represent more than 98% of enterprises in Vietnam, while outstanding loans to the segment account for about 20% of total bank credit. The ministry attributes the lending gap to a shortage of eligible collateral, limited financial transparency at many firms and small capital bases.

Under the draft, businesses could pledge future-formed assets such as expected revenue streams and contracts, along with patents, software and other intellectual property. The proposal also covers property rights and other intangible, digital and virtual assets that currently fall outside traditional collateral rules.

The draft urges credit institutions to broaden underwriting criteria. Lenders would be encouraged to consider credit ratings, audited business plans, cash-flow projections and market potential as part of credit assessments in addition to fixed assets.

The draft includes measures aimed at green and sustainable projects. Provisions offer preferential access to credit guarantees, concessional financing and interest-rate support for circular economy and energy-efficiency projects, together with tax incentives and assistance for meeting environmental, social and governance reporting requirements.

Vietnam ranked fourth in a 2025 global crypto adoption index. Regulators have opened a licensing pathway for domestic crypto trading platforms, and five firms, including affiliates of several banks, have passed an initial qualification round to pursue the country’s first regulated exchange licenses.

Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi expects regulated crypto market activity could begin as early as the third quarter of 2026, a timeline discussed at the Digital Trust in Finance 2026 forum.

If approved, the law would allow startups and small businesses that lack land or physical assets to use intangible and digital holdings as loan collateral. The ministry has invited comments from the public and stakeholders as part of the consultation process; no final approval has been issued.