Neither prohibition nor chaos: The 3 Asian countries that have protected cryptocurrencies in 2026

Asia is consolidating its leadership in the digital economy in 2026. Discover how new regulations in Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea are transforming security and institutional access to cryptocurrencies in the region.

Asia's financial landscape reveals a level of regulatory maturity surpassing that of other global regions. Governments that previously maintained a cautious stance toward cryptocurrencies and digital assets are now implementing clear legal frameworks to integrate blockchain technology into their national economies. This paradigm shift aims to reduce uncertainty, attract institutional capital, and establish security standards that protect end users from the sector's historical volatility.

The institutionalization of digital assets in Thailand and South Korea

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand is making progress in strengthening its regulatory framework for investments in digital assets. This year, the agency is working on a plan that seeks to consolidate a safer and more transparent environment for public participation in the crypto market. Jomkwan Kongsakul, Deputy Secretary General of the Commission, reported that in the coming months an official regulation will be published that It will enable the creation of exchange-traded funds linked to cryptocurrencies., known as ETFs. 

According to local media, the goal of the Thai SEC is to offer a regulated investment avenue for crypto assets, but one that reduces exposure to technological or security risks associated with the direct use of digital assets.

The official explained that these funds can become an accessible alternative for investors seeking exposure to the crypto market without the hassle of custody or digital asset management. In this way, the Commission aims to expand available options and strengthen public confidence in blockchain-based financial products.

"While there have been some legal and regulatory challenges in the past, this year the SEC will encourage bond token issuers to enter the regulatory environment."Jomkwan stated, according to the Bangkok Post.

Simultaneously, the country is promoting a sustainable investment ecosystem through pilot programs for tokenized bondsAmong these initiatives, the launch of the first "green token" stands out, designed to finance environmentally friendly projects under state supervision. The goal is to diversify investment options while promoting environmental responsibility.

For its part, South Korea has formalized the Security Token Offerings (STO) Following the reform of its Capital Markets Law, this legal advancement allows for the digitization of physical assets, such as real estate or debt securities, using distributed ledger networks. 

The nation's new regulations require mandatory registration of each issuance, ensuring the traceability and authenticity of the assets represented on the blockchain, providing a layer of legal trust that did not previously exist for institutional investors.

Vietnam and Hong Kong: New licensing frameworks and secure custody

Continuing with Asia, Vietnam is at a crucial juncture in shaping its digital financial framework. With the entry into force of the Digital Technology Industry Law, andOn January 20, 2026, the State Securities Commission began granting official licenses to digital asset exchange platforms. 

Although cryptocurrencies are still considered property and not legal tender, the new licensing system in Vietnam represents an important step toward formalizing the crypto sector. The local government aims to increase transparency in cryptocurrency transactions, reduce informal activity, and make Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City attractive hubs for international technology companies interested in the crypto ecosystem.

In the same regional scenario, Hong Kong is moving forward with stricter measures to strengthen supervision over entities that handle private keys. 

The Securities and Futures Commission now imposes the Mandatory special license for companies engaged in custody or investment advice in digital assetsThis Hong Kong policy is based on a regulatory equality approach, which is founded on the premise that the same risks require the same rules. 

With this, Hong Kong aims to close the spaces where services still operate without formal control and position itself as the safest and most reliable environment for the custody of digital assets in Asia.

Digital regulation in Asia: Blockchain enters a new stage of maturity

Crypto regulation in Asia during 2026 moves towards an integration model Rather than restrictions, governments in the region are adopting technical and legal frameworks that seek to incorporate blockchain technology into the financial system in a controlled and predictable manner. This process responds to a need to modernize financial infrastructure and maintain competitiveness in the face of a global scenario marked by trade tensions and new dynamics of digital investment.

Instead of stifling innovation, Asian regulators are prioritizing rules that strengthen transparency and establish clear limits on digital asset diversification. With these measures, the region is building a more secure foundation for the future. institutional use of blockchain. 

If the policies implemented this year prove effective, they could become a benchmark for other countries still seeking to find a balance between technological advancement and financial market stability.