Key Takeaways
- • Franklin Templeton's 2021 survey of 502 Singaporeans aged 18 to 35 found that 52% expected annual investment returns above 10%, and cryptocurrency ranked among their top four preferred asset classes alongside stocks, bonds and ETFs.
- • The Independent Reserve Singapore index, based on 1,500 respondents, showed crypto ownership rising to 43% in 2023 from 40% in 2022, while Singapore's confidence score fell to 55 out of 100.
- • Institutional trust in crypto in Singapore declined to 61% in Q2 from 70% in Q1, according to eToro-style "Crypto Pulse" survey data cited in coverage, signaling a split between retail enthusiasm and institutional caution.
- • Singapore investors targeted average annualised returns of 8.5% over five years, with 64% expressing confidence they would achieve them, a gap that analysts have described as outpacing realistic expectations.
- • The survey material available does not include the October 2026 findings referenced in the headline, so the most recent verifiable data points are drawn from 2021 to 2024 surveys.
Summary
Available reporting on Singapore investor sentiment toward cryptocurrency points to a persistent gap between high return expectations and more cautious institutional confidence. The most detailed dataset is a 2021 survey by US asset manager Franklin Templeton, which polled 502 Singaporeans aged 18 to 35 between March 19 and April 6 of that year. Of those surveyed, 63% earned more than S$3,000 (US$2,220.91) a month, 83% saved money monthly, and their average annual investment amount was slightly above S$18,000. Franklin Templeton reported that 52% expected annual returns above 10%, while one-third anticipated 5% to 10%. Stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency and exchange-traded funds were the top four preferred asset classes. Dora Seow, Franklin Templeton's country head for Singapore, said the firm was "heartened" by the savings habits of young people and encouraged long-term investing and regular portfolio rebalancing.
Later survey data indicates shifting crypto sentiment. According to the Independent Reserve Singapore cryptocurrency index, which polled 1,500 people, crypto ownership rose to 43% in 2023 from 40% in 2022. The same index scored Singapore at 55 out of 100, which it characterised as a decline in respondents' confidence in cryptocurrency, and found that 44% of holders kept at least 10% of their portfolio in crypto. Separately, a Singapore institutional survey reported that trust in crypto fell to 61% in Q2 from 70% in Q1 of the same year.
Return expectations remain elevated relative to market realities. Singapore investors targeted average annualised returns of 8.5% over the following five years, and 64% said they were confident they would achieve them. A Gemini Singapore report also found that 67% of investors who held personal investment products included crypto in their portfolios. More recently, an eToro survey found that more than half of Singapore retail respondents expected AI stock prices to rise in 2026.
Later survey data indicates shifting crypto sentiment. According to the Independent Reserve Singapore cryptocurrency index, which polled 1,500 people, crypto ownership rose to 43% in 2023 from 40% in 2022. The same index scored Singapore at 55 out of 100, which it characterised as a decline in respondents' confidence in cryptocurrency, and found that 44% of holders kept at least 10% of their portfolio in crypto. Separately, a Singapore institutional survey reported that trust in crypto fell to 61% in Q2 from 70% in Q1 of the same year.
Return expectations remain elevated relative to market realities. Singapore investors targeted average annualised returns of 8.5% over the following five years, and 64% said they were confident they would achieve them. A Gemini Singapore report also found that 67% of investors who held personal investment products included crypto in their portfolios. More recently, an eToro survey found that more than half of Singapore retail respondents expected AI stock prices to rise in 2026.
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