Hong Kong retains top crypto-ready position for two consecutive years
Hong Kong was crowned the best-prepared jurisdiction for widespread cryptocurrency adoption in 2023, retaining its crypto-readiness prowess for the second year in a row.
A study factoring in the existence and reach of crypto — via ATMs, businesses, accessibility and legality — revealed stiff competition among the 2022 leaders as Hong Kong, the United States and Switzerland held on to the top three positions.
While Hong Kong grabbed the top spot with a crypto readiness score (CRS) of 8.36, the United States fell down a spot to third place after recording a fall of 6.5% in its CRS score — from 7.7 in 2022 to 7.25 in 2023. On the contrary, Switzerland’s CRS score jumped over 9% — from 7.5 to 8.18 — to rank 2nd worldwide.
As previously explained by Cointelegraph, factors such as crypto ATM installations, pro-crypto regulations, startup culture and a fair tax regime contribute to a country’s CRS. Slovenia, Canada and Australia managed to squeeze into the top 10 in 2023, as shown below.
When it comes to the masses, the Dutch showed the most interest in crypto per person. The United States is home to the largest network of Bitcoin (BTC) ATMs, however, Hong Kong has the most crypto ATMs per square foot given its significantly smaller land mass.
Estonia, Singapore and Switzerland are among the busiest hubs for crypto and blockchain companies. One of the primary drivers that can make or break mass crypto adoption is taxes. There are 12 countries that impose a 0% tax on crypto for individuals — including Germany, Panama, and Portugal among others — who remain well-positioned to climb up the ranks in the coming years.
In the US, New York became the most crypto-ready US state after recording CRS of 9.80 owing to numerous crypto-related legislation and a huge number of crypto and blockchain businesses in operation.
Related: US ‘the only country’ crypto startups should avoid, says Ripple CEO
India leads the global crypto adoption in 2023, a recent Chainalysis report revealed. Other lower middle-income (LMI) nations, including Nigeria and Thailand, bagged the second and third spot in the report.
In addition to leading grassroots adoption, India has also become the second-largest crypto market by raw estimated transaction volume globally, ahead of other major economies.
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The UK has re-established diplomatic ties with Syria, David Lammy has said, as he made the first visit to the country by a British minister for 14 years.
The foreign secretary visited Damascus and met with interim president Ahmed al Sharaa, also the leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and foreign minister Asaad al Shaibani.
It marks the latest diplomatic move since Bashar al Assad’s regime was toppled by rebel groups led by HTS in December.
In a statement, Mr Lammy said a “stable Syria is in the UK’s interests” and added: “I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable progress Syrians have made in rebuilding their lives and their country.
“After over a decade of conflict, there is renewed hope for the Syrian people.
“The UK is re-establishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy with Syria’s interim president Ahmed al Sharaa in Damascus. Pic: X / @DavidLammy
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also announced a £94.5m support package for urgent humanitarian aid and to support the country’s long-term recovery, after a number of British sanctions against the country were lifted in April.
While HTS is still classified as a proscribed terror group, Sir Keir Starmer said last year that it could be removed from the list.
The Syrian president’s office also said on Saturday that the president and Mr Lammy discussed co-operation, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East.
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Since Assad fled Syria in December, a transitional government headed by Mr al Sharaa was announced in March and a number of western countries have restored ties.
In May, US President Donald Trump said the United States would lift long-standing sanctions on Syria and normalise relations during a speech at the US-Saudi investment conference.
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From May: Trump says US will end sanctions for Syria
He said he wanted to give the country “a chance at peace” and added: “There is a new government that will hopefully succeed.
“I say good luck, Syria. Show us something special.”
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