While 2021 witnessed some regulatory challenges, it was also a historic year for cryptocurrency adoption. With Bitcoin hitting a record high of $68,000 and institutions warming up to digital assets, several governments took significant steps to integrate crypto into their financial systems.
From El Salvador’s pioneering move to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender to the launch of the world’s first Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in Canada, nations worldwide showed increasing acceptance of digital currencies. Here’s a look at five key moments that defined the crypto landscape in 2021.
1. El Salvador Becomes the First Country to Make Bitcoin Legal Tender
El Salvador made history on September 7, 2021, by becoming the first nation to officially recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. President Nayib Bukele’s “Bitcoin Law” was passed in June, gaining a supermajority of 62 out of 84 votes in the Legislative Assembly.
As a result, Bitcoin joined the U.S. dollar as an official currency in the country. The move was followed by a groundbreaking Bitcoin mining project powered by volcanic energy and plans for a Bitcoin City, which will be funded by BTC-backed bonds.
Despite excitement in the crypto community, the decision was met with skepticism from global financial organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and local protests due to Bitcoin’s price volatility. Nonetheless, El Salvador set a precedent for national crypto adoption.
2. UAE: A Crypto-Friendly Hub on the Rise
In 2021, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as a global leader in crypto adoption. Dubai’s Financial Services Authority (DFSA) took bold steps toward regulating digital assets, issuing approvals for major investment products like The Bitcoin Fund in October.
Several free economic zones in Dubai also opened their doors to crypto trading, allowing businesses to operate with official regulatory support. By the end of the year, the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority announced plans to become a dedicated crypto zone and regulator, attracting top industry players.
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) even chose Dubai as his new home, signaling confidence in the region’s crypto-friendly policies.
3. Canada Leads the Global Bitcoin ETF Race
Canada made waves in the crypto industry by launching the world’s first physically-settled Bitcoin ETF in February 2021. Developed by Purpose Investments, the Purpose Bitcoin ETF saw a staggering $564 million in assets under management within just five days of trading.
By December, Fidelity Canada had introduced its own Bitcoin ETF and mutual fund, further cementing the country’s leadership in regulated crypto investment products.
Additionally, Canada’s stance on crypto regulations continued to evolve. The nation recognized crypto firms as money service businesses (MSBs) in 2020 and granted Binance’s local subsidiary official registration in 2021.
With Canada accounting for 9.6% of the global Bitcoin mining hash rate, it has positioned itself as one of the most crypto-progressive nations.
4. Singapore’s Strategic Crypto Expansion
Singapore continued to solidify its status as a major crypto hub in 2021. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) approved several institutional-grade Bitcoin investment funds, including two launched by Fintonia Group.
The country also saw DBS Bank, its largest financial institution, make a strong push into crypto. The bank’s DBS Digital Exchange recorded a tenfold increase in trading volume within just a few months.
Singapore’s government-backed investment firm, Temasek, was also rumored to be a major Bitcoin investor. Meanwhile, a survey found that 43% of Singaporeans owned some form of cryptocurrency, highlighting widespread retail adoption.
However, regulatory challenges remained, with several crypto businesses struggling to obtain operating licenses in the country.
5. Gibraltar Becomes a Destination for Crypto Giants
Despite its small size, Gibraltar became a key player in the crypto industry in 2021. The British Overseas Territory attracted major players like Bullish, an exchange launched by EOS.IO developer Block.one, which received a distributed ledger technology license from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC).
Crypto exchange Huobi also relocated its spot trading operations to Gibraltar following China’s cryptocurrency crackdown, as the GFSC granted it regulatory approval.
Additionally, Gibraltar’s minister for digital and financial services, Albert Isola, joined the Global Blockchain Business Council as an ambassador, further strengthening ties between the territory and the global crypto industry.
Other Crypto-Friendly Jurisdictions in 2021
Beyond these five regions, several other countries made significant strides in crypto adoption:
- Australia advanced its crypto regulatory framework and became a hotspot for crypto ETFs.
- Liechtenstein maintained its status as the most crypto-friendly tax jurisdiction, with Malta and Germany close behind.
The Future of Government Crypto Adoption
2021 was a turning point in crypto regulation, as multiple governments shifted from skepticism to active participation in the digital asset revolution. Whether through legalizing Bitcoin, launching ETFs, or creating crypto-friendly economic zones, these landmark decisions have paved the way for broader institutional and governmental adoption.
As 2022 and beyond unfold, the question isn’t whether governments will adopt crypto—but how fast they will embrace it.