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

A growing number of institutional investors are embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and the emergence of new use cases, as highlighted in a recent survey by Nomura and its digital assets arm, Laser Digital. 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 upcoming year, up from 25% in 2024, while negative sentiment has decreased, indicating 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 the next three years, typically allocating between 2% and 5% of their portfolio. This shift is supported by a changing regulatory landscape, with clearer rules in major markets and the expansion of crypto investment products reducing uncertainty. 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. Stablecoins are also gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases. Despite remaining barriers, the survey suggests that institutions are increasingly focused on how to invest in crypto, indicating that digital assets are becoming a more standard component of institutional portfolios.