Last updated: May 2026
Scope: Retail and institutional investors in Singapore seeking a licensed digital-asset platform for buying, selling, or trading cryptocurrencies.
Important: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Fees, rates, and product terms change regularly. Verify all details directly with each provider before making any financial decision.
Singapore is one of Asia’s most regulated digital-asset markets. The Monetary Authority of Singapore licences Digital Payment Token (DPT) service providers under the Payment Services Act 2019. As of May 2026, MAS has granted over 20 DPT service provider licences (MAS, mas.gov.sg). Using a licensed crypto exchange in Singapore protects investors from unregulated counterparties and reduces custody risk.
This guide compares five leading licensed platforms operating as a crypto exchange in Singapore, covering supported assets, trading fees, custody models, and suitability for retail versus institutional users. Always verify current MAS licence status at mas.gov.sg before depositing funds.
Quick Summary
DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) is the only bank-backed institutional crypto exchange in Singapore, offering tokenised securities and digital currencies to accredited and institutional investors through MAS-regulated custody.
Coinbase Singapore and Independent Reserve are recommended for retail investors due to their MAS licensing, transparent fee schedules, and broad asset selection.
Coinhako is one of Singapore’s longest-operating DPT licensees and provides a straightforward SGD on-ramp via PayNow for retail investors.
All platforms listed hold MAS DPT licences as at May 2026; verify current status at mas.gov.sg/financial-institutions/digital-payment-token-services before depositing funds.
Top Picks at a Glance
| # | Category | Top Pick | Why It Stands Out |
| 1 | Best overall (institutional) | DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) | Bank-backed, MAS-regulated, tokenised securities, institutional custody |
| 2 | Best for retail investors | Independent Reserve | MAS-licensed, transparent fees, 98%+ cold storage |
| 3 | Best for asset range | Coinbase Singapore | 250+ assets, MAS-licensed, self-custody option via Coinbase Wallet |
| 4 | Best SGD on-ramp | Coinhako | PayNow and FAST SGD deposits, MAS-licensed since 2014 |
Selection Methodology
Platforms were selected based on confirmed MAS DPT licence or in-principle approval as at May 2026, availability to Singapore retail and/or institutional investors, transparent fee disclosure, and operational history of at least two years. Platforms without confirmed MAS licensing were excluded.
Comparison Table (Last updated: May 2026)
| Platform | MAS Licence | Taker Fee (from) | Assets Listed | Custody Model | Last Verified |
| DBS DDEx | DPT + CMS | Institutional (verify) | BTC, ETH, XRP, tokenised | Proprietary bank-grade | Jun 2025 |
| Coinbase Singapore | DPT | ~0.6% (Advanced: 0.05%) | 250+ | Custodial + self-custody | Jun 2025 |
| Independent Reserve | DPT | From 0.5% | 35+ | 98%+ cold storage | Jun 2025 |
| Coinhako | DPT | Verify at coinhako.com | 50+ | Custodial (Fireblocks) | Jun 2025 |
| Crypto.com SG | DPT | From 0.075% (tier) | 250+ | Custodial + DeFi Wallet | Jun 2025 |
Source: Individual provider websites. Verify rates and fees directly before making a decision.
How to Choose a Crypto Exchange in Singapore
Selecting the right crypto exchange in Singapore involves more than comparing trading fees. Key criteria to evaluate before opening an account:
- MAS licensing: Only use platforms with a confirmed DPT service provider licence under the Payment Services Act. Verify the current list at mas.gov.sg/financial-institutions/digital-payment-token-services.
- Custody model: Custodial platforms hold your assets in the exchange’s name. Non-custodial or self-custody options let you manage your own private keys. Custodial platforms add counterparty risk; self-custody requires secure key management on your part.
- Fee structure: Compare maker/taker fees, SGD deposit and withdrawal charges, and network fees. Low headline fees can be offset by wide bid-offer spreads on small orders.
- Asset availability: If you need access to altcoins or tokenised assets beyond BTC and ETH, check the platform’s supported-asset list before opening an account.
- SGD funding options: Confirm whether the platform supports SGD deposits via PayNow, FAST, or bank transfer, and whether there are limits or fees on SGD withdrawals.
The 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Singapore
1. DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx)
Best for: Accredited and institutional investors seeking a bank-backed, fully regulated crypto exchange in Singapore
Quick Facts:
- Provider: DBS Bank (Singapore) | dbs.com.sg/global-financial-markets/others/dbs-digital-exchange
- MAS Licence: DPT service provider and Capital Markets Services
- Supported assets: BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, and tokenised securities
- Access: Accredited investors and institutional clients only
- Custody: Proprietary bank-grade custody within DBS’s balance sheet
Pros:
- Only bank-backed institutional crypto exchange in Singapore, combining custody, trading, and settlement within a single MAS-regulated entity.
- Tokenised securities on DDEx allow fractional ownership of real-world assets alongside digital currencies.
- Settlement finality within DBS’s balance sheet reduces counterparty risk compared to independent exchanges.
Trade-offs:
- Access is restricted to accredited investors (net personal assets exceeding SGD 2 million or annual income exceeding SGD 300,000 under the SFA) and institutional clients.
- Asset range is narrower than retail-focused platforms; altcoin selection is limited by design.
Source: dbs.com.sg/global-financial-markets/others/dbs-digital-exchange | Last Verified: May 2026
2. Coinbase Singapore
Best for: Retail investors wanting the broadest asset selection from a globally established MAS-licensed platform
Quick Facts:
- Provider: Coinbase Singapore Pte. Ltd. | coinbase.com/en-sg
- MAS Licence: DPT service provider (confirmed, Jun 2025)
- Supported assets: 250+ cryptocurrencies
- Taker fee: Standard ~0.6%; Advanced Trade from 0.05% (verify at coinbase.com)
- Custody: Coinbase Custody (custodial) or Coinbase Wallet (self-custody)
Pros:
- Largest asset library among MAS-licensed platforms in Singapore, covering major and emerging tokens.
- Coinbase Advanced Trade provides institutional-grade order types and lower fees for higher-volume traders.
- Coinbase Wallet enables self-custody, reducing reliance on the exchange for long-term holdings.
Trade-offs:
- Simple Buy/Sell mode fees are higher than most competitors; use Advanced Trade for better pricing.
- Customer support response times can be slow during high-volume market events.
Source: coinbase.com/en-sg (verify current fees and licence status) | Last Verified: May 2026
3. Independent Reserve
Best for: Retail and professional investors seeking transparent fees, strong local support, and cold-storage custody
Quick Facts:
- Provider: Independent Reserve Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) | independentreserve.com/sg
- MAS Licence: DPT service provider (confirmed, Jun 2025)
- Supported assets: 35+ cryptocurrencies
- Taker fee: From 0.5% with volume discounts
- Custody: More than 98% of assets in offline cold storage
Pros:
- One of the most transparent fee structures among Singapore-licensed platforms, with publicly posted volume-tiered pricing.
- More than 98% of assets held in offline cold storage substantially reduces hot-wallet exposure.
- Local Singapore customer support team with faster response times than global-first platforms.
Trade-offs:
- Smaller asset library (35+) than Coinbase or Crypto.com; not suitable for investors seeking long-tail altcoins.
- Advanced trading tools are less sophisticated than leading global exchanges.
Source: independentreserve.com/sg (verify current fees and licence status) | Last Verified: May 2026
4. Coinhako
Best for: Singapore retail investors wanting a simple SGD on-ramp via PayNow and an intuitive buy-sell interface
Quick Facts:
- Provider: Hako Pte. Ltd. (Coinhako) | coinhako.com
- MAS Licence: DPT service provider (confirmed, Jun 2025)
- Supported assets: 50+ cryptocurrencies
- Taker fee: Verify at coinhako.com
- Custody: Custodial (Fireblocks MPC institutional custody)
Pros:
- One of Singapore’s earliest MAS-licensed DPT providers, operating since 2014.
- PayNow and FAST SGD deposit and withdrawal support for fast and low-cost on/off ramps.
- Fireblocks MPC custody technology reduces single-point-of-failure risk in key management.
Trade-offs:
- Trading interface is simpler; advanced order types are limited compared to Coinbase Advanced Trade.
- Fee schedule should be verified directly on the site as it has changed periodically.
Source: coinhako.com (verify current fees and licence status) | Last Verified: May 2026
5. Crypto.com Singapore
Best for: Active traders wanting low taker fees and integrated DeFi features alongside spot trading
Quick Facts:
- Provider: Foris DAX Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Crypto.com) | crypto.com/exchange
- MAS Licence: DPT service provider (confirmed, Jun 2025)
- Supported assets: 250+ cryptocurrencies
- Taker fee: From 0.075% for high-volume traders; standard tiers are higher
- Custody: Custodial exchange plus self-custody DeFi Wallet app
Pros:
- Among the lowest taker fees available on a Singapore-licensed platform for high-volume tiers.
- Integrated DeFi Wallet allows users to move assets off the exchange into self-custody.
- Native CRO token staking benefits reduce trading fees for committed users.
Trade-offs:
- Low headline fees require meeting volume or staking thresholds; standard retail fees are higher.
- The broad product range (exchange, DeFi, NFT, card) can make the platform complex for beginners.
Source: crypto.com/exchange (verify current Singapore page and licence status) | Last Verified: May 2026
Best Crypto Exchanges in Singapore by Use Case
Best crypto exchange in Singapore for institutional investors
DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) is the only bank-backed institutional platform in Singapore, offering MAS-regulated custody and trading for accredited and institutional clients.
Best crypto exchange in Singapore for broadest asset selection
Coinbase Singapore and Crypto.com both list 250+ assets and are MAS-licensed, making them the top options for investors seeking a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
Best crypto exchange in Singapore for cold storage and fee transparency
Independent Reserve offers a clear volume-tiered fee schedule with more than 98% of assets in cold storage, one of the safest and most transparent options for retail investors.
Best crypto exchange in Singapore for beginners
Coinhako is a simple entry point: MAS-licensed since 2014, with PayNow SGD funding and a straightforward buy-sell interface suited to first-time investors.
Best crypto exchange in Singapore for active traders
Crypto.com offers taker fees from 0.075% at high-volume tiers plus integrated DeFi features, making it a strong choice for frequent traders seeking a low per-trade cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all crypto exchanges in Singapore regulated?
No. Only platforms holding a DPT service provider licence under Singapore’s Payment Services Act are legally permitted to offer digital-asset services to Singapore users. Always verify current licence status at mas.gov.sg before depositing funds.
Are my crypto assets insured in Singapore?
MAS does not mandate insurance for customer digital assets at DPT licensees. Some platforms (such as Coinhako via Fireblocks) have implemented institutional custody solutions. Confirm the specific coverage details directly with the platform before depositing.
What taxes apply to crypto trading in Singapore?
IRAS treats cryptocurrencies held as investments as capital assets; disposal gains are generally not taxed for individual investors. Businesses trading crypto or receiving crypto as payment may be subject to income tax. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation (IRAS, iras.gov.sg).
What is the minimum age to open a crypto account in Singapore?
Most MAS-licensed platforms require users to be at least 18 years of age and to pass identity verification (KYC) before trading. Verify the age and eligibility requirements on each platform’s website.
Can I use CPF or SRS funds to invest via a crypto exchange in Singapore?
No. Cryptocurrencies are not approved investment products under the CPF Investment Scheme or the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) as at May 2026. Verify the current approved list with CPF Board at cpf.gov.sg.
Digital-asset trading carries significant risk, including the potential loss of your entire investment. Only invest amounts you can afford to lose. Verify MAS licence status at mas.gov.sg. All information last verified May 2026.
