A new study by Nomura and its digital asset arm, Laser Digital, reveals a significant shift in sentiment among institutional investors, with digital assets gaining traction as a key component of portfolio diversification. The survey, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, found that 31% of respondents now hold a positive view of crypto for the upcoming year, marking an increase from 25% in 2024.
Conversely, negative sentiment has decreased, signifying a gradual change in perception as the asset class continues to mature. A notable 65% of respondents consider crypto a vital portfolio diversifier, while 79% of those contemplating investment plan to allocate funds within the next three years.
The majority anticipate modest allocations, typically ranging from 2% to 5%, indicating that institutions are still in the early stages of adoption. This shift is supported by evolving regulatory and policy frameworks, both in Japan and globally.
The development of clearer rules and the expansion of crypto investment products, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and tokenized assets, have mitigated some of the uncertainty that previously deterred institutions. As a result, interest in crypto extends beyond mere price exposure, with over 60% of respondents expressing interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets.
This reflects a growing demand for yield-generating strategies and more complex portfolio construction. Stablecoins are also gaining acceptance, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases, including treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities. Despite the remaining barriers, such as concerns over volatility, counterparty risk, and the lack of established valuation frameworks, the survey suggests a shift in the conversation. Rather than debating the merits of investing in crypto, institutions are increasingly focused on the best approaches to investment, signaling that digital assets are moving closer to becoming a standard component of institutional portfolios.