Singapore Ranks First Globally for Most Crypto-Friendly City with Transparent Regulation and Reliable Infrastructure

Singapore ranks first in the 2026 global 'Most Crypto-Friendly City' index, ahead of traditional financial centers like London and New York. The Asia-Pacific region also performs prominently, occupying six of the top 10 positions, reflecting Asia's growing influence in attracting digital asset funds, entrepreneurs, and infrastructure.

The ranking was released earlier this month by Multipolitan, a platform focused on cross-border flows, evaluating cities based on regulatory clarity, tax efficiency, institutional infrastructure, and actual adoption.

Nirbhay Handa, CEO of Multipolitan, said Singapore's leading position reflects a deeper structural shift in global finance, where crypto competitiveness is increasingly determined not by speculation but by regulatory predictability, operational infrastructure, and capital efficiency.

Beyond Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei also entered the global top 10. Multipolitan believes this demonstrates the Asia-Pacific region's growing competitiveness in digital assets, particularly in licensing regimes, stablecoin and exchange-traded fund (ETF) frameworks, digital-native consumer bases, and more competitive tax environments.

Low Taxes No Longer the Only Factor; Regulation and Infrastructure More Critical

Multipolitan points out that low taxes alone are no longer sufficient to sustain long-term crypto competitiveness. The best-performing cities typically feature transparent governance, reliable licensing paths, institutional-grade infrastructure, and high levels of daily usage.

The platform summarizes this model as 'low tax, high credibility,' distinguishing modern digital asset hubs from traditional financial centers. While traditional centers are mature, higher compliance complexity may constrain innovation, capital formation, and ecosystem development.

Focus on Implemented Infrastructure: Stablecoins, Spot ETFs, and Payment Integration

The index emphasizes infrastructure that has already been deployed, not just policy announcements. Multipolitan cites Singapore's regulated stablecoin framework, Hong Kong's spot virtual asset ETFs, Dubai's licensed virtual asset service provider ecosystem, and merchant and government payment integration as key factors supporting city rankings.

The article notes that the Monetary Authority of Singapore published a regulatory framework for stablecoin issuance in Singapore in 2023, which is not yet formal law, but authorities have indicated that legislative work will proceed.

Asia-Pacific Cities vs. Dubai: Licensing, Sandbox, and Tax Environment

The Multipolitan index shows Hong Kong continues to consolidate its position through exchange licenses and institutional product expansion. Thailand is building competitive advantages through regulatory sandboxes and tax exemptions. Dubai ranks high due to zero personal income tax and clearer regulatory infrastructure from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.