65% of Institutional Investors View Crypto as Crucial for Portfolio Diversification, Says Nomura Study

A new survey by Nomura and its digital asset arm, Laser Digital, indicates that institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital assets, with enhanced sentiment and expanding use cases driving adoption. 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, while negative sentiment has decreased, signifying a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. A key theme emerging from the study is the role of crypto in diversifying portfolios, with 65% of respondents viewing it as a vital component for diversification, and 79% of those considering investment planning to do so within the next 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 evolving regulatory and policy frameworks, including clearer rules in major markets and the approval of crypto investment products like ETFs and tokenized assets, which have reduced uncertainty and encouraged institutions to participate. 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 a growing demand for yield-generating strategies and more sophisticated portfolio management. 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. Despite remaining barriers like volatility, counterparty risk, and the lack of established valuation frameworks, the survey suggests a shift in the conversation among institutions, 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 investment portfolios.