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 expanding 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 hold a positive outlook on crypto for the next year, up from 25% in 2024. Meanwhile, the decline in negative sentiment suggests a gradual shift in perception as the asset class continues to mature. A key theme emerging from the survey is the importance of diversification, with 65% of respondents viewing crypto as a vital component of their investment portfolios. Of those considering crypto exposure, 79% plan to invest within the next three years, with most expecting to allocate between 2% and 5% of their portfolio. This shift towards adoption is being supported by a more defined regulatory environment. In Japan, policymakers have been refining crypto frameworks over the past year, including discussions around classification, taxation, and investor protections. Globally, the introduction of clearer rules and the approval of crypto investment products such as ETFs and tokenized assets have reduced uncertainty and encouraged institutions to engage more deeply with digital assets. 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. This reflects 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. 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 moving closer to becoming a standard component of institutional portfolios.