Singapore Tops Crypto-Friendly City Ranking: Regulatory Transparency & Infrastructure

Singapore has been ranked first in the 2026 global "Crypto-Friendliest City" index, ahead of traditional financial centers like London and New York. The Asia-Pacific region also performed strongly, occupying six of the top 10 spots, reflecting Asia's growing influence in attracting digital asset capital, entrepreneurs, and infrastructure.

The ranking, released by Multipolitan, a platform focusing on cross-border flows, evaluated global 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. Crypto competitiveness is increasingly driven 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 reflects the Asia-Pacific region's growing competitiveness in digital assets, particularly in licensing regimes, stablecoins, exchange-traded fund (ETF) frameworks, digital-native consumer bases, and more competitive tax environments.

Low Tax Rates No Longer the Only Factor: Regulation and Infrastructure Matter More

Multipolitan pointed out that low tax rates alone are insufficient to sustain long-term crypto competitiveness. The best-performing cities typically combine transparent governance, reliable licensing paths, institutional-grade infrastructure, and high everyday usage.

The platform describes this model as "low tax, high trust" and argues that it distinguishes modern digital asset hubs from traditional financial centers, where high compliance complexity may constrain innovation, capital formation, and ecosystem development.

Focus on Built Infrastructure: Stablecoins, ETFs, and Payment Integration

The index emphasizes infrastructure that is already in place, not just policy announcements. Multipolitan cites Singapore's regulated stablecoin framework as an example; also mentions Hong Kong's spot virtual asset ETFs; and Dubai's licensed virtual asset service provider ecosystem and merchant and government payment integration.

The article notes that the Monetary Authority of Singapore released a regulatory framework for stablecoin issuance in 2023, which is not yet formal law but the authority has indicated it will proceed with legislation.

Asia-Pacific Cities Accelerate Competition: Different Paths for Hong Kong, Thailand, and Dubai

Multipolitan's index shows that Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position through exchange licenses and institutional product expansion. Thailand is building a competitive advantage through regulatory sandboxes and tax exemptions. Dubai ranks high due to zero personal income tax and clearer regulatory infrastructure under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.