A new study conducted by Nomura, in collaboration with its cryptocurrency division Laser Digital, indicates a significant shift in the attitude of institutional investors towards digital assets. The survey, which gathered responses from over 500 investment professionals in Japan, highlights the growing importance of digital assets in investment portfolios. The percentage of respondents who hold a positive outlook on cryptocurrency over the next year has increased to 31%, up from 25% in 2024.
Conversely, the number of respondents with a negative outlook has decreased, signifying a gradual improvement in perception as the asset class continues to mature. A key finding of the study is the role of diversification, with 65% of respondents viewing cryptocurrency as a vital component of portfolio diversification.
Furthermore, 79% of those considering investment in cryptocurrency 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 environment, with policymakers in Japan refining cryptocurrency frameworks over the past year.
The introduction of clearer rules in major markets, alongside the approval of cryptocurrency investment products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and tokenized assets, has reduced uncertainty and encouraged institutional investment. 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 in treasury management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities.
While challenges such as volatility, counterparty risk, and the lack of established valuation frameworks persist, the survey suggests a shift in the conversation, with institutions increasingly focused on how to invest in cryptocurrency rather than whether to do so.