- Half see investing as their main path to long-term wealth, 42% use crypto as core portfolio tool
- Only 19% view traditional career progression as their route to financial success
- 48% have held their crypto for 3-5 years, with more deliberate allocation, disciplined investing and active portfolio management
Singapore, 15 April 2026: Singaporeans in the sandwich class are turning to investing to build financial resilience, with crypto playing a growing role in a broader portfolio strategy, according to findings from the 6th edition of the annual cryptocurrency study by Independent Reserve (IR).
Skewed towards Older Millennials and Gen X aged 35 to 54 years, these middle-income households are typically caught between rising cost-of-living pressures and balancing the competing demands of supporting ageing parents and raising children. For this group, financial success is less about eliminating liabilities and more about building resilience to support dependents and long-term goals.
Half (50%) view investing as their primary route to financial success, higher than 37% of the broader population.
- 21% prioritise multiple income streams versus 12% of respondents.
- One in five (21%) defines financial success as maintaining their standard of living in any economic climate.
- Just 19% of sandwich class respondents identified traditional career progression as their preferred route to financial success.
- Only 12% in the sandwich class say that being ‘debt-free’ represents financial success, compared to 24% of overall respondents.
- The sandwich class are taking a more active role in managing their portfolios and utilising multiple asset classes: stocks, bonds, ETFs, REITs, derivatives and cryptocurrency.
- Their investment decisions are guided by a focus on predictable income (73%), diversification (62%), and alignment with risk appetite (54%).
The sandwich class story is one that resonates across Singapore. These are people doing everything right. They work hard, support their families and plan ahead, but they know that the usual path is no longer enough. Instead, they are actively looking to put their money to work through investing to grow their wealth over time. What stands out is how purposeful their approach is. They have clear financial goals and are pragmatic about how they get there, building portfolios that span traditional and alternative assets, including crypto.
– Mr Lasanka Perera, CEO, Independent Reserve Singapore
Where crypto fits in the portfolio
Facing greater financial pressure, the sandwich class is not approaching crypto as a speculative side bet. Instead, crypto is treated as part of a broader investment strategy. They are more committed to the asset class, allocating more deliberately, investing with greater discipline, and taking a more active role in managing their portfolios. With most already experienced in the asset class, participation is not only higher but also more intentional.
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At the same time, practical factors matter to the sandwich class. Ease of use (45%) and education (42%) highlight the need for better user experience and understanding, while real-world adoption by businesses (42%) reinforces the importance of utility. In all, sandwich class are a more mature user profile, where crypto is not just an investment but part of a broader financial system.
What we’re seeing from the sandwich class challenges the perception that crypto is a speculative asset. They are allocating, managing and staying invested over time, and importantly, seeing results. Singapore already offers one of the most structured regulatory environments for digital assets in the region. The combination of strong regulation and informed, disciplined investors points to a growing recognition of crypto as a legitimate component of a diversified investment strategy.
– Mr Lasanka Perera, CEO, Independent Reserve Singapore
Download the full IRCI 2026 report
Notes to Editors
The Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index (IRCI) Singapore is an annual survey of around 1,500 Singapore residents conducted in partnership with Milieu Insight Market Research. IRCI Singapore is the only industry-led research that deep dives into Singapore’s blockchain and cryptocurrency sector.
The survey is a cross-sectional and unbiased sample of everyday Singapore residents and is designed to represent the nation as a whole. This year marks the 6th year of IRCI in Singapore, and the survey was conducted between late January and February 2026, reflecting Singapore residents’ attitudes toward cryptocurrency.
Glossary of Terms
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- Singaporeans: defined as those who have heard of crypto.
- Crypto investors: defined as those who used to own and own crypto.
- Crypto owners: defined as those who own crypto at the time of the survey.
- Non-investors: Singaporeans who have not invested in cryptocurrencies.
- Sandwich class: defined as Singaporeans who have older and younger dependents.
About Independent Reserve
Founded in 2013, Independent Reserve is Singapore’s trusted cryptocurrency exchange. Independent Reserve is the first exchange licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to provide a secure platform for trading and investing in digital assets. With a focus on trust and safety, the exchange serves discerning traders and investors by offering competitive fees, advanced trading tools, and comprehensive educational resources. Adhering to the highest standards of governance, compliance, and security, Independent Reserve empowers institutions and individuals in Singapore to confidently navigate the world of cryptocurrencies.
Beyond our core business, Independent Reserve is dedicated to positively impacting the communities we serve by promoting equal opportunities and fostering a society where everyone can thrive. We focus particularly on helping individuals with special needs lead independent lives and supporting athletes in pursuing their dreams and aspirations.
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