Survey Reveals 65% of Institutional Investors Consider Crypto a Crucial Portfolio Diversification Tool

A new survey conducted by Nomura, a Tokyo-based bank, and its crypto division, Laser Digital, reveals that institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and the emergence of new use cases. The study, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, found that 31% of respondents now hold a positive view of crypto for the upcoming year, up from 25% in 2024, while negative sentiment has declined, indicating a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. A key finding is that 65% of respondents view crypto as a vital tool for portfolio diversification, with 79% of those considering investment planning to do so within the next three years, typically allocating between 2% and 5% of their portfolio. This shift is supported by a changing regulatory landscape, with clearer rules in major markets and the approval of crypto investment products, such as ETFs and tokenized assets, reducing uncertainty and driving adoption. 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 growing demand for yield-generating strategies and more sophisticated portfolio construction. Additionally, stablecoins are gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases, including treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities. While concerns around volatility, counterparty risk, and valuation frameworks remain, the survey suggests that the conversation is shifting from whether to invest in crypto to how to do so, indicating that digital assets are becoming increasingly accepted as a standard component of institutional portfolios.