65% of Institutional Investors Consider Crypto a Crucial Portfolio Diversification Tool, According to Nomura Study

A growing number of institutional investors are embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and the emergence of diverse use cases, as highlighted in a recent survey by Nomura and its crypto subsidiary, Laser Digital. The survey, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, found that 31% of respondents now hold a positive outlook on crypto for the next year, up from 25% in 2024. Meanwhile, the decline in negative sentiment suggests a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. A key finding is that 65% of respondents view crypto as a vital portfolio diversifier, with 79% of those considering investment planning to do so within three years. Most institutions anticipate allocating between 2% and 5% of their portfolio to crypto, indicating they are still in the early stages of adoption. This shift is supported by a changing regulatory landscape, with policymakers in Japan refining crypto frameworks over the past year. Globally, clearer regulations and the expansion of crypto investment products have reduced uncertainty, prompting institutions to move beyond simple price exposure. Over 60% of respondents expressed interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets, reflecting a growing demand for yield-generating strategies. Stablecoins are also gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases, including treasury management and cross-border payments. While concerns around volatility and regulatory uncertainty persist, the survey indicates a shift in the conversation, with institutions now focused on how to invest in crypto, signaling that digital assets are becoming a more integral part of institutional portfolios.