A new study from Nomura and its digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital, indicates that institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and the emergence of new use cases. The survey, which gathered responses from over 500 Japanese investment professionals, found that 31% now hold a positive outlook on crypto for the next year, up from 25% in 2024, while negative sentiment has decreased. A key finding is that 65% of respondents consider crypto a vital portfolio diversifier, with 79% of those planning to invest expecting to do so within three years, typically allocating between 2% and 5% of their portfolio.
This shift is supported by a more defined regulatory environment, with clearer rules in major markets and the introduction of new crypto investment products. As a result, institutions are looking beyond basic price exposure, with over 60% expressing interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets. Stablecoins are also gaining popularity, with 63% identifying potential applications in treasury management, cross-border payments, and tokenized securities investment.
While challenges such as volatility and regulatory uncertainty persist, the survey suggests a growing focus on how to invest in crypto, indicating that digital assets are becoming a more integral part of institutional investment portfolios.