#1. Gemini Crypto Exchange (Most Secure in Singapore)

One of the most important factors to take into account when you choose a cryptocurrency platform is whether it is legitimate and secure. Gemini is one of the most secure crypto exchanges in the world. It was founded in the USA by the Winklevoss twins in 2014, and is regulated by the NYSDFS, with FDIC protection for their US Dollars. 

Gemini maintains industry-leading standards for their security and operational compliance, having completed SOC 1 Type 1 & Type 2, and SOC 2 Type 1 & Type 2 examinations, and hold ISO 27001 certification. Gemini is the world’s first cryptocurrency custodian and exchange to meet this incredibly high standard of financial operations and security compliance, and has never been hacked since its inception.

Gemini is perfect for Singaporean users, as it accepts direct deposits in SGD, so you can start trading right away, with over 90+ different cryptocurrencies. The exchange is great for both beginners and experienced crypto investors, as there are two different interfaces that you can easily switch between. There is a basic interface to get newcomers comfortable with cryptocurrency, and a more advanced trading platform that seasoned traders will enjoy. 

Gemini also offers a wide array of additional features such as Gemini Earn, Gemini Pay, Gemini Wallet and Gemini Custody that make their platform worth exploring. There is also a mobile app so you can always keep an eye on your portfolio, and trade no matter where you are.

Trading fees are not the lowest on the market, but you are paying for the peace of mind that comes with using one of the world's most secure crypto exchanges. Maker fees are 0.25% and taker fees are 0.35%, and they can both be reduced if you are a high-volume trader.

Related articles: Gemini vs Coinbase, Gemini vs Kraken

#2. Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange (Best for Low Fees)

Kraken is a very popular cryptocurrency exchange based in the US, offering spot trading, margin trading and futures contracts. They have low fees (0.16% for makers, 0.26% for takers), excellent security measures and additional features, like staking and forex trading. 

The reason I recommend Kraken as a top crypto platform is because it's very simple to use (perfect for beginners) yet offers a wide range of more than 185+ different coins. Kraken is also very focused on customer support, with 24/7 live chat available so you can always receive assistance if you ever need it. 

Related articles: Kraken vs Coinbase, Kraken vs Gemini, Kraken vs KuCoin

#3. Crypto.com App (Best for Staking)

Crypto.com is an excellent crypto exchange app, supporting over 250+ different cryptocurrencies, and the ability to stake over 40+ coins. Users can earn up to 12.5% interest from staked coins, and this varies based on the lock-in period. If you stake for 3 months, you receive a higher interest rate than for 1 month, which in turn earns you more than flexible staking, where you can withdraw at any time. If you stake Crypto.com's own coin - Cronos (CRO) - you can enjoy additional interest on your other staked coins. 

Cronos, or CRO is the native token to the Crypto.com app, and it comes with a variety of benefits that make it worthwhile to stake. When you stake CRO on the mobile app, you receive up to 12% APR, a premium metal Visa card, where you receive up to 5% cashback on purchases (paid in CRO), rebates on subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify) and bookings (Expedia, Airbnb), and higher APR in Crypto Credit and Crypto Earn.

The app is easy to use for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, and the fees are included in the spread, so whatever price you see is the price you receive. There is also live chat support, and if it is busy, they will reply to you via email when they get to your query.

Related articles: Crypto.com vs Coinbase

#4. Zipmex Crypto Platform (Best Singaporean Exchange)

Zipmex was founded in Singapore in 2018, and is a favourite among locals due to ease of use, support for over 50+ coins, and staking to earn interest on your crypto. Buying, selling and trading crypto is fast and simple, and if you run into any problems, you can reach out to the support team via live chat. Experienced traders will also enjoy using Zipmex, as there are detailed charts, tools and advanced order types for those that need it.

Staking is a great way to grow your cryptocurrency holdings, and there are several ways to do so using Zipmex. There is a flexible staking option, where you can withdraw at any time; a fixed term 45 day option with higher interest rates, and also ZLaunch, where your staked coins will earn you rewards paid out in a different coin. If you stake Zipmex's native token, ZMT, then you will also receive higher interest rates on any staked coins.

Trading fees are a low 0.2% for makers and takers, and you can reduce this by staking ZMT. For example, if you have 100 ZMT staked, your fee is reduced to 0.18%.

#5. Independent Reserve Exchange (MAS Approval, and Best for Crypto Insurance)

Independent Reserve is a longstanding crypto platform that was established in Australia in 2013, and has expanded to service the market in Singapore. Singaporean users can easily access this exchange; not only is SGD one of the supported fiat currencies but Independent Reserve has been granted approval by MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) to operate. Independent Reserve is known for their optional cryptocurrency insurance, which is a great option for those holding large amounts of digital assets. 

The insurance is included when you purchase a Premium Account, with the level of cover dependent on which level account you opted for. If you choose a Starter account, the annual fee is just $300, and you receive insurance cover for up to $20,000 of cryptocurrencies, and receive premium customer support via phone. If you are a big-time investor, you can increase your cover, with the higher level being the Diamond account. The annual fee is a whopping $35,000, but you receive insurance cover for up to $5 million worth of digital assets. 

The trading fees on Independent Reserve are 0.5%, which is a bit higher than other exchanges in Singapore, but this can be reduced if you are a high-volume trader. Another downside is the limited range of only 27 cryptocurrencies, but if you are only focusing on the popular coins, this shouldn't bother you too much.