TL;DR:
- 61% of Singapore’s retail crypto investors prioritize trust over fees when selecting exchanges.
- Security, regulatory compliance, and transparency outweigh marketing promotions or discounts.
- Platforms emphasizing reliability and governance are more likely to attract and retain users in the competitive local market.
A recent survey conducted in Singapore reveals a notable trend among retail cryptocurrency investors: trust and platform reliability outweigh low fees when choosing where to trade. As the local market continues to mature, the findings underscore that users are increasingly cautious, valuing transparency and security over cost-saving incentives.
Trust and Transparency Drive Retail Decisions
The survey, covering a representative sample of retail crypto holders, found that 61% of respondents cited trust as their primary consideration when selecting an exchange or wallet service. Fee structures ranked secondary, with only 28% citing them as their top concern. Analysts note that this reflects a growing awareness of risks, including platform insolvencies, security breaches, and regulatory compliance issues, that have impacted global crypto markets in recent years.
Participants highlighted security measures, insurance of digital assets, and clear corporate governance as decisive factors. Singapore’s regulatory environment and the presence of licensed operators contribute to this focus on trust, providing a framework that encourages responsible platform management. Retail investors, often less experienced than institutional counterparts, are signaling that perceived reliability and transparency outweigh minor transactional savings.
The trend also aligns with increased institutional interest in the region, as exchanges with solid reputations attract both retail and professional users. Platforms that communicate clearly about audits, regulatory approvals, and risk management protocols tend to enjoy higher adoption and retention rates. Survey data suggest that users are willing to pay slightly higher fees for the reassurance that their assets and trades are secure.
Moreover, the research indicates that marketing incentives, fee discounts, and promotional rewards play a diminished role compared to trustworthiness. Investors emphasized that past experiences of platform downtime or unclear terms have a lasting impact on loyalty, making security features a key competitive advantage.
The survey’s findings may influence how exchanges strategize in Singapore, focusing on compliance, transparency, and user education. As retail investors continue prioritizing trust over cost, platforms that align with these expectations could see sustained growth and stronger long-term engagement in the region.
