Singapore tops global crypto comfort index as 25% of citizens own digital currencies

KATHMANDU: Singapore has emerged as the most comfortable country in the world for cryptocurrency usage, with one in four residents—about 25%—owning digital currencies, according to a November 2025 report released by the decentralized exchange ApeX Protocol.

The study, which examined key economic and digital infrastructure indicators, ranked countries based on how easily their citizens can integrate cryptocurrency into everyday financial life. Singapore achieved a near-perfect Crypto Comfort Index score of 99 out of 100, supported by high ownership, legal clarity, and seamless crypto-to-fiat usability.

According to the findings, Singaporeans enjoy widespread access to crypto debit cards, enabling direct purchases at local merchants, while the government maintains a supportive regulatory environment. The city-state also hosts 81 licensed crypto exchanges and permits real estate purchases using digital assets—placing it ahead of all other countries surveyed.

The United States ranked second with a score of 97, boasting the world’s largest crypto ATM network—over 31,000 machines—and a population where 15.5% own cryptocurrencies. U.S. residents also show strong engagement, generating over 40,000 monthly online searches related to crypto payments.

Switzerland followed in third place, earning a 95.3 score as Europe’s most crypto-friendly nation, where citizens can use cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions and real estate investments. Despite lacking crypto debit cards, the country’s robust infrastructure, with over 1,100 ATMs and 32 exchanges, ensures broad accessibility.

Hong Kong and Canada rounded out the top five, both with legal frameworks favorable to digital currencies. Hong Kong reported 14.3% ownership, while Canada boasts the second-largest ATM network globally and a 10.1% ownership rate.

The study assessed nations using seven criteria—crypto ownership rates, ATM density, number of exchanges, public search interest, crypto debit card availability, in-country transactions, and real estate payment options—to produce the comprehensive index.

Below are the Top 10 Countries in the 2025 Crypto Comfort Index:

Singapore – Crypto Comfort Index: 99.0

United States – 97.0

Switzerland – 95.3

Hong Kong – 93.3

Canada – 90.1

Australia – 88.1

Brazil – 80.9

Portugal – 79.1

Ireland – 76.5

Philippines – 73.5

ApeX Protocol’s spokesperson emphasized that younger generations are driving the global crypto surge, often outpacing governments’ ability to regulate or adapt.

“Young people are driving crypto adoption while governments struggle to keep pace. With major financial institutions now heavily invested, widespread adoption is inevitable. Forward-thinking countries with flexible regulations will attract the most crypto investment and talent—becoming digital financial hubs for decades to come,” the spokesperson said.

Experts note that this trend underscores how crypto-friendly regulatory environments and financial innovation policies can directly influence a country’s economic competitiveness and global investment appeal.