A new survey conducted by Nomura, a Tokyo-based bank, and its cryptocurrency division, Laser Digital, shows that institutional investors are becoming increasingly receptive to digital assets. The survey, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, found that 31% of respondents now have a positive outlook on cryptocurrency over the next year, up from 25% in 2024. Meanwhile, the number of respondents with negative sentiments has decreased, indicating a gradual shift in perception as the asset class matures. The study highlights that 65% of respondents view cryptocurrency as a vital tool for portfolio diversification, with 79% of those considering investment planning to do so within the next three years.
Most institutions expect to allocate between 2% and 5% of their portfolio to cryptocurrency, suggesting that they are still in the early stages of adoption. The shift in sentiment is supported by a changing regulatory environment, with policymakers in Japan refining cryptocurrency frameworks over the past year.
Globally, clearer regulations and the approval of cryptocurrency investment products, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and tokenized assets, have reduced uncertainty and encouraged institutions to invest. As a result, interest in cryptocurrency is expanding beyond simple price exposure, with over 60% of respondents expressing interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets. Stablecoins are also gaining traction, with 63% of respondents identifying potential use cases, including treasury management and cross-border payments. However, concerns around volatility, counterparty risk, and valuation frameworks continue to hinder adoption.
Despite these challenges, the survey suggests that the conversation around cryptocurrency is shifting, with institutions now focusing on how to invest in digital assets rather than whether to do so, indicating that cryptocurrency is moving closer to becoming a standard component of institutional portfolios.