Transparent Regulation and Reliable Infrastructure: Singapore Tops Crypto-Friendly Cities

Singapore ranks first in the 2026 Global Crypto-Friendly City Index, ahead of traditional financial centers like London and New York. The Asia-Pacific region also performs strongly, occupying six of the top 10 spots, reflecting Asia's growing influence in attracting digital asset capital, entrepreneurs, and infrastructure.

This ranking, released by Multipolitan, a platform focused on cross-border flows, evaluates global cities 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, operational infrastructure, and capital efficiency.”

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

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

Multipolitan notes that low tax rates alone are insufficient to sustain long-term crypto competitiveness. The best-performing cities typically have transparent governance, reliable licensing pathways, institutional-grade infrastructure, and high daily usage.

The platform calls this the “low tax, high credibility” model, which it says distinguishes modern digital asset hubs from traditional financial centers. The latter, despite mature financial systems, may have higher compliance complexity that can constrain innovation, capital formation, and ecosystem development.

The index also emphasizes deployed infrastructure rather than mere 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.

Related reports mention that the Monetary Authority of Singapore unveiled a regulatory framework for stablecoins issued locally in 2023. The framework is not yet formal law, but authorities have indicated that legislative work will follow.

Additionally, the Multipolitan index notes that Hong Kong continues to strengthen 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 under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.