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65% of Institutional Investors See Crypto as a Diversifier, Nomura Survey Reports

A new survey from Tokyo-based Nomura and its crypto division Laser Digital has found that institutional sentiment toward digital assets is improving in Japan. The study gathered responses from more than 500 investment professionals. #InstitutionalCrypto

The share of respondents with a positive outlook on crypto over the next 12 months rose to 31%, up from 25% in 2024. Negative sentiment declined over the same period. The results point to a gradual shift in how professional investors in Japan perceive digital assets as the market matures.

Portfolio diversification is the primary reason institutions cite for their interest. Of the respondents, 65% said they view crypto as a diversifier for their portfolios. Among those actively considering an allocation, 79% said they plan to invest within three years. Most expect to keep allocations between 2% and 5% of total portfolio value, suggesting a measured approach rather than aggressive positioning. #DigitalAssets

Regulatory developments in Japan have played a role in improving sentiment. #Policymakers have spent the past year working through crypto classification, taxation rules, and investor protection standards. The global expansion of regulated investment products, including #ETFs and tokenized assets, has also reduced some of the uncertainty that previously kept institutions on the sidelines. #Tokenization

Interest is moving beyond simple spot exposure. More than 60% of respondents expressed interest in staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets. That reflects demand for yield-generating strategies and more complex approaches to crypto portfolio construction.