Survey Reveals 65% of Institutional Investors View Crypto as Key to Portfolio Diversification

A growing number of institutional investors are embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and an increasing range of use cases, according to a recent survey conducted by Nomura and its digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital. The study, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, found that 31% of respondents now have a positive outlook on crypto for the next year, up from 25% in 2024, while negative sentiment has decreased, indicating a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. A key finding is that 65% of respondents see crypto as a vital diversifier for their portfolios, with 79% of those considering investment planning to do so within the next three years. Most institutions anticipate making modest allocations, typically between 2% and 5%, suggesting they are still in the early stages of adoption. This shift is supported by evolving regulatory and policy frameworks. In Japan, policymakers have refined crypto regulations over the past year, including discussions on classification, taxation, and investor protection. Globally, clearer rules in major markets, alongside the approval and expansion of crypto investment products such as ETFs and tokenized assets, have reduced uncertainty, encouraging institutions to participate. As a result, interest in crypto is expanding beyond simple price exposure, with over 60% of respondents expressing interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets, reflecting a growing demand for yield-generating strategies and more sophisticated portfolio construction. Stablecoins are also gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases such as treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities. Despite remaining barriers, including concerns over volatility, counterparty risk, and valuation frameworks, the survey suggests a shift in the conversation, with institutions now focusing on how to invest in crypto, indicating that digital assets are becoming a more standard component of institutional portfolios.