[Vietnam Launches Pilot Licensing Program for Crypto Trading Platforms] BlockBeats News, January 21 – This week, Vietnam's Ministry of Finance issued a resolution to launch a pilot program for the formal licensing of cryptocurrency trading platforms, aiming to bring the industry under a regulatory framework from its long-standing legal gray area. According to the resolution, the State Securities Commission will be responsible for issuing, adjusting, and revoking operating licenses for crypto asset trading platforms and has published detailed application guidelines. The program requires applicant companies to be local Vietnamese entities with a minimum paid-up capital of 10 trillion VND (approximately $380 million) and to meet strict standards in infrastructure, governance, cybersecurity, and professional staffing. Currently, about 10 securities companies and banks have expressed plans to enter the market once licensed. (Cryptonews)