A growing number of institutional investors are embracing digital assets, driven by improving sentiment and expanding use cases, according to a new survey by Nomura and its crypto division, Laser Digital. The study, 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, the number of respondents with negative sentiment has decreased, indicating a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. Diversification is a key theme, 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 expect to allocate between 2% and 5% of their portfolios to crypto, suggesting they are still in the early stages of adoption. This shift is supported by a changing regulatory landscape, 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, institutions are looking beyond simple price exposure, with over 60% of respondents expressing interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets. Stablecoins are also gaining popularity, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases such as treasury management and cross-border payments.
However, concerns around volatility, counterparty risk, and valuation frameworks remain. Despite these challenges, the survey indicates that the conversation is shifting from whether to invest in crypto to how to do so, suggesting that digital assets are becoming a more standard component of institutional portfolios.