A growing number of institutional investors are embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and the emergence of new use cases, as indicated by a recent survey from Nomura and its crypto arm, Laser Digital. The survey, which gathered 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. Meanwhile, negative sentiment has decreased, reflecting a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures.
A key theme is diversification, with 65% of respondents viewing crypto as a vital portfolio diversifier, and 79% of those considering investment planning to do so within three years. Most institutions anticipate modest allocations, typically between 2% and 5%, indicating they are still in the early stages of adoption. This shift is supported by a changing regulatory landscape, with policymakers in Japan refining crypto frameworks over the past year. Globally, clearer rules and the expansion of crypto investment products have reduced uncertainty, prompting institutions to move beyond simple price exposure.
Over 60% of respondents expressed interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets, reflecting growing demand for yield-generating strategies. Stablecoins are also gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases. Despite remaining barriers, including volatility and regulatory uncertainty, the survey suggests that institutions are increasingly focused on how to invest in crypto, marking a significant shift in the conversation.