Key Insights
- 54% of Japanese institutional investors plan to invest in crypto assets within the next three years, according to a Nomura Holdings and Laser Digital survey.
- Investors considering crypto allocations prefer a 2-5% range of assets under management.
- The survey also revealed significant interest in Web3 projects.
TOKYO (MarketsXplora) – A majority of Japanese institutional investors are poised to enter the digital asset market within the next three years, according to a new survey by Nomura Holdings and its digital asset subsidiary Laser Digital, signaling a potential shift in the country’s traditional finance landscape.
The study, which polled over 500 investment managers from institutions, family offices, and public-service corporations in Japan, found that 54% of respondents plan to invest in crypto assets in the coming three years. Furthermore, 25% reported a “positive” impression of crypto assets, while 62% view them as a diversification opportunity.
“These findings underscore a growing recognition of digital assets as a legitimate investment class among Japan’s institutional players,” said a Nomura spokesperson, who requested anonymity due to company policy.
Investors considering crypto allocations showed a preference for a 2-5% range of assets under management. The development of various investment products, including ETFs, investment trusts, and staking opportunities, were cited as key drivers for future investment.
The survey also revealed significant interest in Web3 projects, with about half of the respondents expressing willingness to invest either directly or through venture capital funds. This interest could be further fueled by an expected revision to Japan’s Limited Partnerships Act later this year, potentially adding crypto assets to the list of permissible investments for limited partnerships.
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However, the path to widespread adoption is not without obstacles. The survey identified several barriers to entry for those not currently considering crypto investments, including concerns about counterparty risk, high volatility, and regulatory requirements.
These results come as Japan continues to position itself as a hub for digital asset innovation. Recent regulatory changes aim to foster growth in the sector while maintaining robust investor protections.
In a related development, Steve Ashley, Executive Chairman at Laser Digital, emphasized the importance of stablecoin development for the Japanese market.
“As the digital asset landscape evolves, the development of a stablecoin for use in the Japanese market will be key to expanding the accessibility and adoption of digital assets in Japan and beyond,” Ashley stated in a separate announcement last month.
Nomura’s digital assets arm has also been expanding its global footprint. Last week, the company received a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, allowing it to offer broker-dealer and asset management products for traditional and virtual assets in Abu Dhabi.
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