Crypto Ownership Drops in Singapore as Investors Rebalance Amid Market Gains

Crypto ownership in Singapore has declined sharply over the past year, with nearly half of investors cashing out during the latest market upswing. According to the 2025 Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index (IRCI), 49% of Singaporean crypto holders sold part or all of their digital assets in 2024—and 67% of those sellers locked in profits.

Despite the dip in ownership—from 40% in 2024 to 29% this year—industry insiders say the move reflects a strategic shift rather than a mass exit. “It’s not a retreat from crypto, but a recalibration,” said Lasanka Perera, CEO of Independent Reserve Singapore. Many investors are opting to rebalance portfolios and shift funds into more stable instruments amid growing global uncertainty.

While fewer Singaporeans currently hold crypto, interest in the asset class remains high. Public awareness hit 94%, and more than half of existing investors (53%) said they’re likely to buy again within the next year. Popular coins remain largely unchanged, with Bitcoin (BTC) held by 68% of crypto investors and Ethereum (ETH) by 48%.

Investors are becoming more selective, too. The survey found that 65% of respondents hold between two and five cryptocurrencies—suggesting a more targeted and risk-aware approach.

Broader investment behavior also reflects shifting priorities. Only 1 in 5 Singaporeans invest in crypto today, while nearly half prefer stocks or fixed deposits. Cash and traditional savings options are gaining favor again, with 49% of respondents prioritizing fixed deposits or savings accounts—up from 42% a year ago.

Despite the overall decline in ownership, many Singaporeans continue to use crypto for everyday transactions. An April 2025 survey by crypto payments platform Triple-A found that 52% of local crypto holders have used digital assets to pay for goods or services, and 67% say they plan to do so more frequently in the future.