1) Clear rules + real licenses
Crypto isn’t a grey zone here. Under the Payment Services Act, exchanges and custodians get licensed, with updated licensing guidance that tightened standards from August 26, 2024. You can literally look up who’s licensed in MAS’s public directory (34 Major Payment Institutions currently authorised to offer Digital Payment Token services).
2) Safety-first consumer guardrails (but still open for business)
MAS bans splashy retail ads and “crypto ATMs,” and set additional consumer-protection expectations for DPT firms—so the market runs on substance, not hype. That balance keeps serious players comfortable.
3) Tax simplicity that investors love
Singapore has no general capital-gains tax. Long-term investors typically don’t pay tax on crypto disposals, while active trading profits can be taxed. Plus, since Jan 1, 2020 the supply of digital payment tokens is exempt from GST (fees for services can still attract GST). Net: clean, predictable rules. (Not tax advice—talk to a pro for your case.)
4) Institutional rails & banking connectivity
This is where it really pops: MAS is pushing real-world tokenisation (Project Guardian), and banks/venues are wiring in—think OKX adding instant SGD transfers with DBS in late 2024 and Standard Chartered deepening crypto partnerships in 2025. That’s real plumbing for serious capital.
5) A global hub that attracts the whole industry
Token2049 keeps choosing Singapore, bringing thousands of founders and funds to town each year—deal flow and talent in one place.
6) Rule of law + competitiveness
Top-tier scores for rule of law and global competitiveness = stable courts, fast company setup, predictable policy. That’s catnip for crypto firms.
Quick reality checks
- Not a mining haven: power is pricey (~27.47¢ SGD/kWh for Jul–Sep 2025), so mining economics don’t pencil out here.
- Retail is protected: no hypey ads, strong AML/KYC, and higher bars for licensing—great for long-term builders, not for “number-go-up” billboards.
If you’re fired up to “Bitcoin” in Singapore, are you thinking about buying as an individual, setting up a company/exchange, or relocating a team? I can tailor a step-by-step game plan either way.