tl;dr
The Philippines is rapidly becoming a significant crypto wealth hub, ranking 20th globally with average crypto holdings of $14,194.46 per owner, according to the Crypto Friendly Cities Index 2025 by Multipolitan. Initially driven by play-to-earn gaming like Axie Infinity, Filipino crypto ownership h...
The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a significant crypto wealth hub, ranking 20th globally with average crypto holdings of $14,194.46 per owner. Initially driven by play-to-earn gaming such as Axie Infinity, Filipino crypto ownership has now expanded into broader financial integration.
Within Southeast Asia, the Philippines follows Singapore (5th globally, with $85,536.63 per holder), Malaysia (18th, $20,895.49), and Vietnam (19th, $16,681.28) in crypto wealth concentration. Globally, countries like Slovenia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, and South Korea show even higher average holdings, reflecting strong regulatory frameworks and digital infrastructures.
Regulatory clarity remains key to attracting crypto capital; the Philippines is advancing with draft rules for Crypto Asset Services Providers to bolster consumer protection amid ongoing market challenges. This clarity is essential as cities worldwide compete to build comprehensive crypto ecosystems, with leaders like Dubai, Singapore, and Zug benefiting from favorable regulations, tax advantages, and superior digital infrastructure.
The Crypto Wealth Concentration Index highlights uneven crypto wealth distribution globally. The UAE leads in adoption rates with over 25% of its population holding crypto, while the United States dominates trading volumes at $2.07 trillion due to strong institutional involvement. Smaller nations like Slovenia and Cyprus exhibit high average holdings, indicating concentrated wealth among relatively few users.
Overall, the global shift toward crypto-friendly cities marks a transformative change in financial geography. Early adopters are not only securing relevance but positioning themselves as the financial capitals of the future. For the Philippines, this evolution signals a move beyond grassroots play-to-earn origins toward becoming a major player in the worldwide crypto economy.