Singapore crypto investors now prioritize regulation over fees, new survey finds

Trust and regulatory compliance have overtaken low fees as the primary factors driving crypto platform selection among Singapore investors, according to a new survey from MoneyHero and Coinbase.

The study found that 61% of financially savvy investors in Singapore now hold digital assets, with security and long-term conviction replacing cost considerations as top priorities.

The data suggests that the Singapore retail crypto market is evolving beyond cost driven decisions and leaning heavily toward regulated frameworks, strong security measures and sustained conviction in digital assets.

The study, which surveyed 3,513 retail investors and crypto curious residents showed that 58% of respondents view themselves as long term holders, while 42% have maintained their crypto positions for over two years.

In the Singapore retail crypto market, investors have also kept exposure below 10% of their total portfolios, typically holding an average of three tokens showing a blend of discipline caution and diversification.

Retail investors plan long term strategies

The survey highlights deeper adoption across the region. A 61% ownership rate within the Singapore retail crypto market indicates that crypto is becoming mainstream among informed investors.

Additionally, 27% of non holders expressed interest in entering the Singapore retail crypto market within the next 12 months signaling strong potential for future growth.

Perception remains mixed: 44% view crypto as an asset class, while 29% see it as a speculative tool. Education sources also vary widely with 62% citing social media for crypto information followed by friends and family (55%), news outlets (43%) and exchange blogs (27%). This trend in the Singapore retail crypto market offers both opportunities and risks especially regarding misinformation.

Confidence levels remain split with 48% feeling sure of their crypto knowledge and 52% not fully confident.

A progressive yet tightly regulated market

Singapore’s reputation as a global financial hub is reinforced by its progressive but strict regulatory approach. The country’s Payment Services Act of 2019 implemented in 2020 was one of Asia’s earliest comprehensive crypto frameworks defining digital payment tokens and setting the foundation for oversight in the Singapore retail crypto market.

Despite its openness, Singapore maintains strong control mechanisms. In June, regulators ordered local crypto firms to stop overseas operations targeting foreign markets or face severe penalties including fines of up to $200,000 and imprisonment. There were no grace periods or transitional arrangements.

More recently, the Monetary Authority of Singapore signaled a regulatory tightening on unregulated stablecoins. On Nov. 13, MAS Managing Director Chia Der Jiun emphasized that the stability of the Singapore retail crypto market depends on reinforcing safeguards especially as stablecoins grow more systemic.

As the Singapore retail crypto market continues to expand, regulatory evolution appears inevitable ensuring that investor protection keeps pace with adoption.