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

A new study conducted by Nomura, a Tokyo-based bank, and its cryptocurrency division, Laser Digital, reveals that institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital assets. The survey, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, shows that 31% of respondents now hold a favorable view of cryptocurrency over the next year, marking a 6% increase from 2024. Conversely, negative sentiment has decreased, signifying a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. The primary theme emerging from the study is diversification, with 65% of respondents regarding cryptocurrency as a vital component of portfolio diversification. Furthermore, 79% of those considering investment in cryptocurrency plan to do so within the next three years, with most expecting to allocate between 2% and 5% of their portfolio. This shift is supported by a changing regulatory landscape, both in Japan and globally. The introduction of clearer rules and regulations in major markets, as well as the approval and expansion of cryptocurrency investment products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and tokenized assets, has reduced uncertainty and encouraged institutional investment. As a result, interest in cryptocurrency is expanding beyond simple price exposure, with over 60% of respondents expressing interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets. 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 the remaining barriers, including concerns over volatility, counterparty risk, and the lack of established valuation frameworks, the survey suggests that the conversation is shifting from whether to invest in cryptocurrency to how to do so, indicating that digital assets are becoming an increasingly standard component of institutional portfolios.