Singapore Tops Global Crypto-Friendly City Index; Regulatory Transparency Key
Singapore ranked first in the 2026 Global Crypto-Friendly City Index, ahead of traditional financial centers like London and New York. The Asia-Pacific region also performed strongly, claiming six of the top 10 spots, reflecting the region's growing influence in attracting digital asset capital, entrepreneurs, and infrastructure.
The ranking, released earlier this month by Multipolitan, a platform focused on cross-border flows, assessed cities based on regulatory clarity, tax efficiency, institutional infrastructure, and practical adoption.
'Singapore's leading position reflects a deeper structural shift in global finance. Cryptocurrency competitiveness is increasingly determined not by speculation but by regulatory predictability, operational infrastructure, and capital efficiency,' said Multipolitan CEO Nirbhay Handa.
Asia-Pacific Cities Rise Together, Focus on Regulation and Infrastructure
Apart from Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei also made the top 10. Multipolitan said this reflects growing competitiveness in the digital asset space across Asia-Pacific, particularly in licensing regimes, stablecoin and exchange-traded fund (ETF) frameworks, digital-native consumer bases, and more competitive tax environments.
Multipolitan noted that low tax rates alone are no longer sufficient to sustain long-term crypto competitiveness. The best-performing cities typically combine transparent governance, reliable licensing pathways, institutional-grade infrastructure, and high everyday usage.
'Low Tax, High Credibility' Model Becomes New Trend
The platform calls this the 'low-tax, high-credibility' model and argues it distinguishes modern digital asset hubs from traditional financial centers. While the latter have mature financial systems, higher compliance complexity can limit innovation, capital formation, and ecosystem development.
The index also focused on infrastructure that has already been deployed, not just policy announcements. Multipolitan cited Singapore's regulated stablecoin framework, Hong Kong's spot virtual asset ETFs, Dubai's licensed VASP ecosystem, and merchant and government payment integrations as key factors supporting city rankings.
Asia's Crypto Hub Competition Intensifies
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) published a regulatory framework for issuing stablecoins in Singapore in 2023, though it has not yet become formal law. The authority has indicated it will proceed with legislation.
The Multipolitan index also shows Hong Kong continuing to strengthen its position through exchange licensing and institutional product expansion. Thailand is building a competitive edge with regulatory sandboxes and tax exemptions. Dubai also ranks high due to zero personal income tax and clearer regulatory infrastructure under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
