Transparent Regulation and Reliable Infrastructure Make Singapore the World's Most Crypto-Friendly City
Singapore ranks first in the 2026 Global Crypto-Friendly Cities Index, surpassing traditional financial centers such as London and New York. The Asia-Pacific region also stands out, with six cities in the top 10, highlighting Asia's growing influence in attracting digital asset funds, entrepreneurs, and infrastructure.
The index, released by cross-border flow research platform Multipolitan earlier this month, evaluates metrics including regulatory clarity, tax efficiency, institutional infrastructure, and actual adoption.
Multipolitan CEO Nirbhay Handa said: "Singapore's leading position reflects a deeper structural shift in global finance. Crypto competitiveness is increasingly determined not by speculation, but by regulatory predictability, operational infrastructure, and capital efficiency."
Besides Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei also entered the global top 10. Multipolitan noted that this indicates the Asia-Pacific region's growing competitiveness in digital assets, particularly in licensing regimes, stablecoin and exchange-traded fund (ETF) frameworks, digital-native consumer groups, and more competitive tax environments.
Low Tax Rates No Longer the Sole Factor; Regulation and Infrastructure More Critical
Multipolitan pointed out that low tax rates alone are insufficient to sustain long-term crypto competitiveness. Top-performing cities typically combine transparent governance, reliable licensing pathways, institutional-grade infrastructure, and higher daily usage levels.
The platform terms this the "low tax, high credibility" model, distinguishing modern digital asset hubs from traditional financial centers, where mature financial systems but higher compliance complexity may limit innovation, capital formation, and ecosystem development.
The index also focuses on deployed infrastructure, not just policy announcements. Multipolitan cited Singapore's regulated stablecoin framework, Hong Kong's spot virtual asset ETF, Dubai's licensed virtual asset service provider ecosystem, and merchant and government payment integration as key factors supporting city rankings.
The platform noted that the Monetary Authority of Singapore released a regulatory framework for issuing stablecoins locally in 2023. While not yet formal law, authorities have indicated legislative work will proceed.
Multipolitan's index also shows Hong Kong continues to consolidate its position through exchange licensing and institutional product expansion. Thailand, with its regulatory sandbox and tax exemptions, is gradually building a competitive edge. Dubai also ranks high due to zero personal income tax and clearer regulatory infrastructure under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
