A new study by Nomura and its digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital, indicates a growing acceptance of digital assets among institutional investors, driven by improving sentiment and expanding use cases. 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, suggesting a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. A key finding is that 65% of respondents view crypto as a vital tool for portfolio diversification, with 79% of those considering investment planning to do so within the next three years. Most institutions anticipate modest allocations, typically between 2% and 5%, indicating that 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 regulations and the approval of crypto investment products have reduced uncertainty, encouraging institutions to explore beyond simple price exposure. Over 60% of respondents expressed interest in more complex strategies such as staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets, reflecting a growing demand for yield-generating strategies and sophisticated portfolio construction. Stablecoins are also gaining popularity, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases in treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities. However, concerns around volatility, counterparty risk, and valuation frameworks remain.
Despite these challenges, the survey suggests that institutions are now focused on how to invest in crypto, rather than whether to do so, indicating that digital assets are becoming a more standard component of institutional portfolios.