Survey Reveals 65% of Institutional Investors Consider Crypto a Crucial Portfolio Diversification Tool

A new survey conducted by Nomura, a Tokyo-based bank, and its crypto-focused subsidiary Laser Digital, reveals that institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital assets. The study, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, found that 31% of participants now hold a positive view of crypto over the next year, representing a 6% increase from 2024. Conversely, negative sentiment has decreased, suggesting a gradual shift in perception as the asset class continues to mature. 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 the next three years. Most institutions anticipate allocating between 2% and 5% of their portfolios to crypto, indicating that they are still in the early stages of adoption. This shift is supported by evolving regulatory and policy frameworks. In Japan, policymakers have refined crypto regulations over the past year, including discussions on classification, taxation, and investor protection. Globally, clearer rules and the approval of crypto investment products, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and tokenized assets, have reduced uncertainty and encouraged institutional investment. 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, including treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities. While concerns around volatility, counterparty risk, and valuation frameworks persist, the survey suggests that the conversation is shifting from whether to invest in crypto to how to do so, indicating that digital assets are becoming a more standard component of institutional portfolios.