Study Reveals 65% of Institutional Investors Consider Crypto a Key Portfolio Diversifier

A new survey conducted by Nomura, a Tokyo-based bank, and its crypto unit Laser Digital, reveals that institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and the emergence of new use cases. The study, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, found that 31% of respondents now hold a positive view of crypto for the next 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 consider crypto a vital portfolio diversifier, with 79% of those considering investment planning to do so within 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, such as ETFs and tokenized assets, reducing uncertainty and encouraging institutions to invest. 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 growing demand for yield-generating strategies and more sophisticated portfolio construction. Additionally, stablecoins are gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases, including treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities. However, challenges persist, including concerns around volatility, counterparty risk, and the lack of established valuation frameworks, as well as regulatory uncertainty. Nevertheless, the survey suggests that the conversation is shifting, with institutions increasingly focused on how to invest in crypto, rather than whether to do so, indicating that digital assets are becoming a more mainstream component of institutional portfolios.