Survey Reveals 65% of Institutional Investors View Crypto as Crucial for Portfolio Diversification

A new study conducted by Nomura, a Tokyo-based bank, and its crypto unit, 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 surveyed 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, while negative sentiment has decreased, indicating a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. A key finding is that 65% of respondents consider crypto a vital portfolio diversifier, with 79% of those considering exposure planning to invest within 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 expansion 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 yield-generating strategies, such as staking, lending, and derivatives. Stablecoins are also gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases, including treasury management and cross-border payments. While barriers to adoption remain, including concerns around volatility and regulatory uncertainty, the survey suggests that the conversation is shifting, with institutions increasingly focused on how to invest in crypto, rather than whether to do so, indicating that digital assets are moving closer to becoming a standard component of institutional portfolios.