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

A new survey conducted by Nomura and its digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital, indicates a growing acceptance of digital assets among institutional investors, with improving sentiment and expanding use cases driving adoption. The study, which collected responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, found that 31% of respondents now have a positive outlook on crypto for the next year, up from 25% in 2024, while negative sentiment has decreased, signaling a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. A key theme emerging from the survey is the role of crypto in portfolio diversification, with 65% of respondents viewing it as a vital component. Furthermore, 79% of those considering investment in crypto plan to do so within the next three years, with most expecting to allocate between 2% and 5% of their portfolio, indicating that institutions are still in the early stages of adoption. This shift is supported by a changing regulatory environment, with Japan refining its crypto frameworks and global markets introducing clearer rules and approving crypto investment products such as ETFs and tokenized 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, reflecting a growing demand for yield-generating strategies and more sophisticated portfolio construction. Additionally, stablecoins are gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases such as treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities. However, barriers to adoption remain, including concerns around volatility, counterparty risk, and the lack of established valuation frameworks. Despite these challenges, the survey suggests that the conversation around crypto is shifting, with institutions increasingly focused on how to invest in digital assets, indicating that they are moving closer to becoming a standard component of institutional portfolios.