A new study by Nomura and its crypto-focused subsidiary, Laser Digital, indicates that institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and expanding use cases. The survey, which polled 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, signaling a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures.
A key theme emerging from the study is the role of crypto in portfolio diversification, with 65% of respondents viewing it as a vital component. Furthermore, 79% of those considering investing in crypto plan to do so within the next three years, with most expecting to allocate between 2% and 5% of their portfolio.
This shift is supported by a changing regulatory landscape, both in Japan and globally, with clearer rules and the introduction of new crypto investment products reducing uncertainty and encouraging institutional participation. As a result, interest in crypto is moving beyond simple price exposure, with over 60% of respondents expressing interest in more sophisticated strategies such as staking, lending, and tokenized assets. Additionally, stablecoins are gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases.
However, challenges such as volatility, counterparty risk, and valuation frameworks remain. Despite these challenges, the survey suggests that institutions are shifting their focus from whether to invest in crypto to how to do so, indicating that digital assets are becoming increasingly integrated into institutional portfolios.