Survey Reveals 61% of Finance-Conscious Investors in Singapore Prefer Trusts Over Lower Fees

According to a recent survey published on Thursday by financial comparison platform MoneyHero and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, Singapore’s retail crypto market is evolving as investors shift their focus from seeking the lowest-cost platforms to those they deem reliable.

The study, which surveyed 3,513 retail investors and individuals interested in cryptocurrency in Singapore, revealed that 61% of “finance-savvy” Singaporeans currently own crypto, representing one of the highest adoption rates observed in the nation.

Source: MoneyHero

Social Media Emerges as Primary Learning Source for Singapore Crypto Investors

Among these investors, trust was identified as the most significant factor in selecting a trading platform, surpassing considerations such as low fees, rewards, and user-friendliness.

The results indicate a transformation in Singapore’s perspective on digital assets, with market participants increasingly valuing regulated environments, clear protections, and long-term dependability.

The survey also highlights a more mature investor demographic, with 58% identifying as long-term holders and 42% having maintained their investments for over two years.

Source: MoneyHero

Respondents exhibited a relatively cautious investment strategy, keeping their crypto holdings below 10% of their portfolios, with an average of three tokens.

While ownership is notably high among financially literate individuals, there remains potential for growth. 27% of those without crypto indicated plans to enter the market within the next year, reflecting ongoing interest.

Perceptions of digital assets are varied, with 44% viewing crypto as an asset class, while nearly one-third consider it speculative.

Source: MoneyHero

In terms of education, 62% reported social media as their main source of information, a trend that researchers noted presents both opportunities for outreach and risks of misinformation.

Friends and family were the next most cited sources at 55%, followed by mainstream news at 43%. Confidence levels were nearly evenly split: 48% expressed confidence in their understanding of crypto, while 52% did not.

This survey comes as Singapore continues to enhance its regulatory framework for digital assets under the Payment Services Act, overseen by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

This framework mandates that all digital payment token service providers obtain licenses and adhere to stringent anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

MAS Oversight and Institutional Support Propel Singapore’s Crypto Expansion

Singapore’s transparent regulatory framework has solidified its status as one of Asia’s most dynamic blockchain centers, even as authorities adopt a cautious stance toward retail trading.

The combination of robust consumer protections and strong backing for institutional digital finance continues to draw major firms to the region.

In 2024, the MAS granted 13 new crypto licenses, more than double the number issued the previous year, to platforms such as OKX, Upbit, and Anchorage.

Singapore has taken the lead in issuing crypto licenses in 2024, while Hong Kong has fallen behind, a new report indicates.#SingaporeCrypto #HongKongCrypto #CryptoLicensehttps://t.co/kNGZz4L3Wf

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 24, 2024

The MAS’s stringent supervisory approach remained evident throughout 2025. By mid-year, Bitget and Bybit began preparing to reduce their services after receiving final warnings from the regulator to cease operations for overseas clients without authorization.

This action underscores Singapore’s commitment to compliance amid a broader market expansion.

Singapore’s digital asset activities now extend well beyond trading. The MAS recently initiated a pilot program for tokenized MAS bills settled with a wholesale CBDC, while DBS, OCBC, and UOB completed interbank lending trials utilizing a CBDC-based system.

The MAS plans to pilot the issuance of tokenized MAS bills that will be settled using central bank digital currency (CBDC).#Singapore #Cryptohttps://t.co/2XyVwbgIFp

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) November 13, 2025

Furthermore, the MAS has partnered with Vietnam’s State Securities Commission to aid in the regulatory development of capital markets and digital assets.

Corporate engagement is also on the rise. The department store chain Metro has introduced stablecoin payments through Dtcpay, allowing transactions in USDT, USDC, and WUSD.

Significantly, Circle reported that the Asia-Pacific region experienced $2.4 trillion in on-chain stablecoin transactions between June 2024 and June 2025, positioning Singapore among the top three stablecoin hubs globally.

Institutional infrastructure is concurrently expanding. Coinbase launched Coinbase Business, its first international initiative, providing local startups with tools for instant USDC payments and global transfers.

@Coinbase has extended its operations beyond the United States with the official launch of Coinbase Business in Singapore.#Coinbase #Singaporehttps://t.co/WsX8aZNmJC

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) November 12, 2025

This launch follows the company’s participation in MAS’s BLOOM Initiative for compliant cross-border payments.

Despite macroeconomic caution reflected in other surveys, Independent Reserve’s February 2025 report indicated that overall ownership had decreased to 29% among the general population.

The report highlighted that finance-savvy Singaporeans appear to be maintaining their positions, with trust becoming increasingly central to their investment decisions.

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