Singapore has emerged as the world’s most cryptocurrency-enthusiastic country, with a quarter of its population now owning digital assets. This statistic comes from a comprehensive study conducted by ApeX Protocol and Taurex, which also revealed that American blockchain professionals command the highest salaries globally, averaging $148,100.
The global cryptocurrency market has surpassed a valuation of over US$3 trillion, challenging assumptions about where digital asset enthusiasm translates into professional opportunities. Singapore’s perfect adoption score is a result of its dramatic user growth and exceptional online engagement. The city-state’s cryptocurrency ownership has more than doubled from 11% in 2021 to 24.4% in 2024, with residents demonstrating a strong interest in cryptocurrency careers.
On the other hand, the United States leads in professional opportunities despite ranking third in cryptocurrency adoption. With a superior infrastructure and regulatory framework, the US offers the highest average salary for cryptocurrency positions at $148,100. The country boasts 30,240 cryptocurrency ATMs, 170 cryptocurrency companies, and a strong regulatory score of 8.9, making it a premier destination for cryptocurrency professionals.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a regional powerhouse in the cryptocurrency landscape, securing second place in adoption rankings with a score of 99.7. The UAE boasts the world’s highest cryptocurrency ownership rate at 25.3% and offers competitive salaries averaging $111,483 for cryptocurrency positions.
Canada and Germany also demonstrate strong performance in both adoption and professional opportunities. Canada achieved the highest adoption growth rate at 225% and offers an attractive average compensation of $98,800 for cryptocurrency positions. Germany leads Europe in cryptocurrency job availability, with 84 active listings and competitive salaries averaging $96,553.
The research reveals distinct regional strategies among cryptocurrency-using countries, with North American markets leading in compensation and job volume, Middle Eastern countries pioneering adoption-first approaches, and European nations focusing on regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with stability. The studies also highlight the correlation between cryptocurrency involvement and the presence of employment prospects, suggesting different markets serve different roles in the global ecosystem.
As the cryptocurrency sector matures, countries will need to adapt to maintain momentum and sustain economic opportunities. While early movers like Singapore and the UAE have used permissive regulations to attract users and businesses, the US’s infrastructure-led approach may prove more durable in the long run. The sector is following traditional economic development patterns, with established financial centres leveraging their advantages and emerging markets competing through regulatory flexibility.
In conclusion, the global cryptocurrency landscape is evolving rapidly, with different regions adopting unique strategies to capitalize on the growing digital asset market. As countries navigate regulatory challenges and economic opportunities, the sector will continue to shape the future of finance and technology.