Singapore tops the most crypto-friendly city ranking: regulatory transparency and infrastructure are key
Singapore ranked first in the 2026 global "most crypto-friendly city" index, ahead of traditional financial centers like London and New York. Asia-Pacific also performed strongly, taking six of the top 10 spots globally, showing the region's growing influence in attracting digital-asset capital, entrepreneurs, and infrastructure.
The index was released earlier this month by Multipolitan, a platform focused on cross-border flows. It evaluates cities around the world based on 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, operating infrastructure, and capital efficiency.”
Besides Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei also made the global top 10. Multipolitan said this reflects stronger Asia-Pacific competitiveness in digital assets, especially in licensing regimes, stablecoins and exchange-traded fund (ETF) frameworks, digitally native consumer bases, and a more competitive tax environment.
Low tax is no longer the only factor: regulation and infrastructure matter more
Multipolitan said low taxes alone are no longer enough to support long-term crypto competitiveness. The best-performing cities usually combine transparent governance, reliable licensing pathways, institutional-grade infrastructure, and higher everyday usage.
The platform calls this a "low-tax, high-trust" model and says it distinguishes modern digital-asset hubs from traditional financial centers. The latter may have mature financial systems, but higher compliance complexity can limit innovation, capital formation, and ecosystem growth.
The index also emphasizes infrastructure already in place, not just policy announcements. Multipolitan pointed to Singapore's regulated stablecoin framework, Hong Kong's spot virtual asset ETF, Dubai's licensed virtual-asset-service-provider ecosystem, and merchant/government payment integration as important factors behind city rankings.
For Singapore, the article notes that the Monetary Authority of Singapore announced a regulatory framework for stablecoins issued locally in 2023. It is not yet formal law, but authorities have said legislation will follow.
APAC cities collectively rise: licensing paths and product expansion drive competitiveness
The index shows Hong Kong consolidating its position through exchange licenses and expansion of institutional products. Thailand is gradually building an edge through regulatory sandboxes and tax exemptions. Dubai ranks high thanks to zero personal income tax and a relatively clear regulatory foundation under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
