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

A new survey conducted by Nomura and its crypto division, Laser Digital, indicates that institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and expanding use cases. 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, signaling 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 modest allocations, typically between 2% and 5%, 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, including discussions on classification, taxation, and investor protection. Globally, clearer regulations and the approval of crypto investment products, such as ETFs and tokenized assets, 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 growing demand for yield-generating strategies and more complex portfolio construction. Stablecoins are also gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases, including treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities. However, barriers to adoption remain, including concerns over volatility, counterparty risk, and the lack of established valuation frameworks. Despite these challenges, the survey suggests that the conversation is shifting from whether to invest in crypto to how to do so, indicating that digital assets are moving closer to becoming a standard component of institutional portfolios.