[Updated October 2026] ABLI-SAL Cryptoasset Series – Cryptoassets and Property Law (Singapore edition)
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ABLI-SAL Cryptoasset Series – Cryptoassets and Property Law (Singapore edition)
Asian Business Law Institute and Singapore Academy of Law
Updated October 2026
Please contact abli_info@abli.asia for queries relating to this publication.
Tackling the question of all questions, i.e. whether cryptoassets are property in the eyes of the law, this 88-page report:
This updated version takes into account developments after November 2022 when the first edition was published. Those developments include, among others, the July 2023 ByBit decision from the High Court of Singapore, the final report on digital assets by the Law Commission of England and Wales, as well as other markert and case law developments in Singapore and beyond.
The November 2022 version is "taken off the shelf" with the release of this updated version.
Table of Contents
Appendix A – Definition of cryptoassets around the world
Appendix B – Use of “chose in action” or “thing in action” in Singapore statutes
Appendix C – Use of “personal chattels” in Singapore statutes
Asian Business Law Institute and Singapore Academy of Law
Updated October 2026
Please contact abli_info@abli.asia for queries relating to this publication.
Tackling the question of all questions, i.e. whether cryptoassets are property in the eyes of the law, this 88-page report:
- considers evolving definitions that impact dealing in various forms of cryptoassets;
- delves into how the courts in Singapore are shaping the contours of case law in this largely unregulated space;
- analyses gaps in judicial responses and the existing statutory framework for treating cryptoassets as property; and
- puts forward options to better address those gaps.
This updated version takes into account developments after November 2022 when the first edition was published. Those developments include, among others, the July 2023 ByBit decision from the High Court of Singapore, the final report on digital assets by the Law Commission of England and Wales, as well as other markert and case law developments in Singapore and beyond.
The November 2022 version is "taken off the shelf" with the release of this updated version.
Table of Contents
Understanding cryptoassets
Legal definition of cryptoassets
Working definition of cryptoassets
Understanding property law in Singapore
Real property
Personal property
Data and information
Intellectual property
Understanding cryptoasset judgments by the Singapore courts
B2C2 Ltd v Quoine Pte Ltd
CLM v CLN and Others
Janesh s/o Rajkumar v Unknown Person (“CHEFPIERRE”)
ByBit Fintech Ltd v Ho Kai Xin and others
Understanding the importance of the cryptoasset judgments
Understanding the problems
The traditional dichotomy
The Ainsworth test
Possessing cryptoassets
Cryptoassets as documentary intangibles
Cryptoassets as choses in action
A third category of personal property
Statutory interpretation
Understanding the options
Option 1. Make no change to the common law
Option 2. Expand the existing categories of choses in action and choses in possession
Option 3. Articulate a third category of personal property
Option 4. Introduce statutory reform of the law of personal property
References
Cases
Statutes
Regulatory guidance
White papers
Secondary sources
Other materials
Appendix A – Definition of cryptoassets around the world
Appendix B – Use of “chose in action” or “thing in action” in Singapore statutes
Appendix C – Use of “personal chattels” in Singapore statutes
