Vietnam imposes harsh fines for illegal gold and currency trading under new decree
The Government has introduced stricter penalties for violations in the monetary and banking sector. Decree No. 340/2025/NÄ-CP, announced by the Ministry of Justice, will take effect on February 9, 2026. The new rules target illegal activities in gold and foreign currency trading with a tiered fine system.
The decree sets out clear penalties for gold trading offences. Minor breaches, such as failing to display prices or improper labelling, will result in fines of VND30-50 million. More serious violations, including trading gold bars through unauthorised agents or breaking position management rules, face VND140-180 million fines.
Operating gold bar production without proper approvals carries penalties of VND250-300 million. The heaviest finesâVND300-400 millionâapply to unlicensed trading. Using imported raw gold for unauthorised purposes or repeatedly trading via agents will incur VND200-250 million penalties. Foreign currency violations also face sanctions. Depending on transaction amounts, fines range from warnings to VND80-100 million. Crossing borders with gold illegally will be penalised at VND80-100 million. Capital contributions and share acquisitions breaches attract fines of VND100-300 million, depending on severity. Repeated or multiple offences in gold trading will receive the same penalties as first-time violations. Warnings and fines of VND10-20 million apply to certain minor gold trading breaches.
The decree strengthens oversight in Vietnamâs monetary and banking sector. Fines and warnings now cover a wide range of violations, from minor labelling issues to large-scale unlicensed trading. The new rules will take full effect from February 9, 2026.
