Why is this important
Institutional investors are beginning to systematically view crypto assets as part of a portfolio strategy rather than as a speculative tool. Improving sentiment and growing interest in practical use cases signal that the market is entering a more mature phase. This opens the way for a gradual inflow of capital and the development of infrastructure around digital assets.
What happened
- Nomura Bank and its crypto division, Laser Digital, have recorded a rise in institutional investor interest in cryptocurrencies and related instruments.
- A survey of more than 500 investment specialists in Japan showed improved market expectations and a decline in the share of negative assessments.
- Investors are increasingly viewing digital assets as a diversification tool and plan to include them in their portfolios in the coming years.
Numbers and facts
- 31% of respondents positively assess the prospects of cryptocurrencies for the coming year, whereas in 2024 this figure was 25%.
- The share of negative assessments has declined, reflecting a gradual shift in market perception.
- About 65% of participants view cryptocurrencies as a tool for portfolio diversification.
- Among those open to investing, 79% plan to invest within three years.
- The expected share of crypto assets in portfolios most often ranges from 2% to 5%, indicating an early stage of adoption.
- More than 60% of respondents show interest in instruments including staking, lending, derivatives, and tokenized assets.
- Stablecoins are considered by 63% of participants as a tool for liquidity management, cross-border payments, and investment in tokenized securities.
Context
- For institutional players, the crypto market is gradually becoming a practical tool with clear use cases.
- Financial companies are gaining incentives to develop yield-generating products and infrastructure for new strategies.
- For regulators, pressure is increasing to establish clear rules, as uncertainty remains a key constraint for large-scale capital inflows.
