Nomura revealed that 65% of institutional investors consider crypto and digital assets as key pieces to diversify portfolios in the current market.
Cryptocurrencies have ceased to be a marginal asset on the institutional radar and are now being progressively integrated into capital allocation strategies. A recent study by the Japanese bank Nomura and its Laser Digital unit showed that 65% of institutional investors consider digital assets as a relevant element for diversifying portfolios. This change occurs in a context where risk perception evolves and the crypto market infrastructure matures.
The report, based on the opinions of more than 500 investment professionals in Japan, indicates that 31% of large firms maintain a positive outlook on cryptocurrencies for the remainder of the year, compared to 25% recorded in 2024. At the same time, negative sentiment has receded, reflecting a gradual transition in how institutions evaluate these types of assets within their portfolios.
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The conversation about cryptocurrency investment has taken a different turn this year. Fund managers have shifted their focus from speculation to valuing these assets for their potential. ability to diversify risk within their portfoliosThe main motivation expressed by these investors is the low correlation of digital assets with traditional instruments such as stocks and bonds, which opens a way to better balance market fluctuations.
The data from the report They explain that this change in perception is accompanied by concrete financial decisions. The interest in investing translates into defined plans, since the 79% of those considering entering the market expect to do so within a maximum of three years..
As for actual exposure, 60% of investors surveyed said they plan to allocate between 2% and 5% of their total portfolios to blockchain, a figure that, while prudent, represents billions of dollars of institutional capital flowing into the blockchain ecosystem.
A solid regulatory framework: The key to success in Japan and the world
The study highlights that the institutional adoption of crypto assets in 2026 shows a clear transformation compared to previous years thanks to greater regulatory clarity.
In Japan, the move towards a more robust legal framework has generated a a more trusting environment for participants of the market. The talks driven by the country's Financial System Council's Working Group on Crypto Asset Systems, which gained momentum in late 2025, have helped establish clearer and more defined rules, progress that has given large investors the certainty needed to become more decisively involved in the digital world.
In the global arena, the growth of instruments such as spot cryptocurrency ETFs and the tokenization of real-world assets has contributed to a decrease in perceived risk. These solutions have opened a more accessible avenue for institutions to participate in the market without having to make structural changes to their traditional strategies.
From the perspective of Laser Digital and other experts, this type of regulated financial instrument has favored a gradual incorporation, where exposure to crypto assets is increasingly integrated in a controlled manner and consistent with existing risk profiles.
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The analysis by Nomura and Laser Digital also highlights that institutional interest has diversified enormously. Current strategies have moved beyond simply buying and holding assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, giving way to a more dynamic approach focused on generating consistent value.
Within this context, more than 60% of the investment professionals surveyed said they are actively exploring tools that allow them to generate returns within the digital market; a trend that responds to the need to optimize resources and find alternatives to increasingly demanding traditional markets.
In practice, investors are adopting tools such as:
- El staking and crypto mining (66%)to generate recurring revenue directly from blockchain networks.
- Collateralized loans and credits (65%)because they allow them to use their cryptocurrency holdings as collateral to access liquidity.
- Crypto derivatives (63%)which have gained ground as hedging tools for managing volatility.
- And tokenized assets (65%)because they open up new possibilities by transferring traditional instruments to the blockchain environment.
The adoption of these tools and solutions occurs strategically and reflects the more mature vision that the market has gained, where the priority of investors is now focused on maximizing performance and improving operational efficiency through innovative solutions from the digital ecosystem.
The rise of stablecoins and trust in traditional banking
Another revealing finding of this report is the growing prominence of stablecoins within the financial ecosystem. Nearly two-thirds of participants already recognize concrete applications for these digital currencies, which go far beyond simple speculation.
Stablecoins are being integrated into key processes such as corporate liquidity managementfacilitating more agile and efficient capital management. They are also gaining ground in international operationswhere they simplify payments and currency conversions by reducing time and costs.
Furthermore, stablecoins are beginning to consolidate as a access route to invest in tokenized assetsThis expands the possibilities within digital markets. Despite the decentralized origin of many solutions in this space, stablecoins backed by traditional financial institutions continue to generate greater confidence. Thus, those denominated in currencies such as the yen, the dollar, and the euro are perceived as safer options by both Japanese investors and global participants, reflecting a clear preference for structures that combine innovation with institutional backing.
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In summary, the analysis by Nomura and Laser Digital paints a picture where institutional interest in digital assets is advancing with increasing determination, although it still faces specific challenges that influence decision-making. Financial firms acknowledge that valuing these assets remains complex, as they lack widely accepted traditional metrics, making it difficult to accurately estimate their true value.
Even so, the focus has clearly changed in 2026. The discussion among investors and large capital firms no longer revolves around the advisability of investing in digital assets, but rather on the way to integrate them efficiently, safely, and in alignment with institutional objectivesThis evolution reflects a process of adaptation where practice replaces initial skepticism.
The study also reveals a clear transition toward greater maturity within the financial ecosystem. Institutions have begun to incorporate these assets as a regular part of their strategies, driven by regulatory advancements, the development of more sophisticated financial products, and the support of established players in investment banking.
For all the reasons mentioned above, 2026 is shaping up to be a point of consolidation where large firms will stop observing from afar and will assume an active role in building the digital environment. According to Nomura, the survey results reveal a progressive and accelerated integration of blockchain technology within the global financial architecture, paving the way for new opportunities, business models, and ways to manage value.
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