Singapore Tops: Insights into the World's Most Crypto-Friendly Cities Ranking

Singapore ranked first in the 2026 Global Crypto-Friendly Cities 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, showing Asia's rising influence in attracting digital asset capital, entrepreneurs, and infrastructure.

This ranking, released earlier this month by Multipolitan, a platform focused on cross-border flows, evaluates global cities based on regulatory clarity, tax efficiency, institutional infrastructure, and real 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 entered the global top 10. Multipolitan believes this reflects the strengthening competitiveness of the Asia-Pacific region in digital assets, especially in licensing regimes, stablecoin and exchange-traded fund (ETF) frameworks, digital-native consumer groups, and more competitive tax environments.

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

Multipolitan noted that low taxes 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.

The platform calls this the "low tax, high credibility" model and believes it distinguishes modern digital asset hubs from traditional financial centers. While the latter have mature financial systems, higher compliance complexity may limit innovation, capital formation, and ecosystem development.

The index also focuses on implemented infrastructure rather than just policy announcements. Multipolitan cited examples such as 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 Monetary Authority of Singapore released a regulatory framework for issuing stablecoins locally in 2023, which has not yet become formal law. However, authorities have indicated that legislative work will proceed.

The Multipolitan Index also shows Hong Kong continues to consolidate its position through exchange licenses and institutional product expansion. Thailand is gradually gaining competitive advantage through 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.