Singapore And UAE Dominate World Crypto Engagement Metrics Survey
Singapore and the United Arab Emirates have earned the top two positions as the world's most crypto-obsessed nations, according to new research from ApeX Protocol. Cointelegraph reports Singapore claimed the number one spot with a perfect composite score of 100, driven by 24.4% of its population owning cryptocurrency.
The city-state leads globally in search activity with 2,000 crypto-related queries per 100,000 people. Singapore's crypto ownership rate more than doubled from just 11% in 2021 to its current level. The UAE secured second place with a score of 99.7, achieving the world's highest crypto ownership rate at 25.3% of its population.
The Gulf nation experienced a 210% increase in adoption since 2019, with a major boom occurring in 2022 when over 34% of the population reported holding digital assets. The study evaluated each country across four key metrics: ownership rate, adoption growth, search activity and ATM availability. The United States ranked third with a score of 98.5, leading in infrastructure with over 30,000 crypto ATMs nationwide.
Why This Data Reflects Crypto Market Maturation
These rankings demonstrate cryptocurrency's transition from niche speculation to mainstream financial adoption. The rapid ownership growth in both Singapore and the UAE reflects regulatory clarity and infrastructure development in these markets. Blockchain Technology News confirms Canada placed fourth with a 225% adoption growth rate, while Turkey secured fifth position with 19.3% population ownership.
The research shows crypto adoption varies significantly by region and regulatory approach. Countries with clear legal frameworks tend to achieve higher engagement rates than those with uncertain policies. We previously reported that regulatory environments play a crucial role in adoption patterns, with our Global Bitcoin Policy Index analysis showing Singapore scoring 95/100 for its comprehensive Payment Services Act framework.
Singapore's Monetary Authority has balanced innovation with compliance requirements, creating an environment that attracts both retail users and institutional investors. The UAE's zero capital gains tax policy on crypto trading, staking and mining has contributed to its exceptional ownership rates.
Broader Market Trends Show Institutional Integration
The dominance of Singapore and UAE in crypto obsession rankings reflects wider global adoption patterns that extend beyond retail users. Chainalysis data shows Asia-Pacific crypto transaction volume grew 69% year-over-year, reaching $2.36 trillion between June 2024 and June 2025.
Institutional participation has accelerated dramatically throughout 2025. The number of crypto millionaires increased 40% year-over-year to 241,700 people globally, according to recent Henley & Partners research. Bitcoin millionaires alone rose 70% to 145,100 individuals during this period.
This institutional growth coincides with major regulatory developments worldwide. The US repealed Staff Accounting Bulletin 121, allowing banks to offer crypto custody services without treating digital assets as liabilities. European Union MiCA regulations provided standardized frameworks across 27 member states.
Traditional financial institutions now view cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset class rather than speculative investment. Corporate Bitcoin holdings have nearly doubled in 2025, while tokenized real-world assets exceeded $22.5 billion on-chain. These developments support the ApeX Protocol findings that crypto adoption has moved beyond retail speculation into structured financial planning.
The concentration of crypto enthusiasm in Singapore and UAE also reflects these countries' broader positioning as global financial hubs. Both nations have implemented comprehensive digital asset strategies that combine favorable taxation, clear regulations and modern infrastructure to attract crypto businesses and users.
