Nomura: Four out five institutional investors plan to pile into crypto with DeFi a top focus

Almost four out of five institutional investors are planning to invest between 2% and 5% of their total assets under management into cryptocurrencies, according to the Japanese financial giant Nomura.

The bank’s 2026 Digital Asset Institutional Investor Survey shared with DL News found that many institutions plan to pile into cryptos next year, “suggesting a preparatory period rather than immediate investment.”

“Clear regulations, better understanding, enhanced security, and risk management frameworks are key to expanding investment,” wrote Nomura and its crypto subsidiary, Laser Digital.

The survey adds to the growing chorus suggesting that institutional players are increasingly exploring how to tap into cryptocurrencies. That marks a dramatic shift.

In the past, they often viewed Bitcoin and altcoins with scepticism, but over the past few years hedge funds, pension funds, superannuation funds have started to invest in the asset class.

Managing over $60 billion

The survey covered institutional investors managing more than $60 billion, along with family offices and public organisations overseeing assets ranging from a few million dollars to several billion.

Some 65% now see crypto as a diversification tool, putting it alongside stocks, bonds, and commodities, Nomura said.

To be sure, the bank warned that challenges still persist, including the lack of clear ways to value assets, ongoing volatility, and uncertainty around regulation.

“At the same time, adoption is accelerating due to the development of a diverse range of investment products, improvements in risk management practices, regulatory reforms, and increased participation,” Nomura wrote.

DeFi yield

Institutional investors are pursuing cryptocurrency yield strategies rather than just token price appreciation, Nomura says.

Its research found that over two-thirds of respondents want exposure to decentralised finance mechanics like staking, while 65% are targeting lending and tokenised assets, and 63% are exploring derivatives and stablecoins.

“This reflects growing demand for income-generating and asset-utilisation strategies,” Nomura said.

“Interest in investment methods is broadening, extending beyond exchange-traded funds to private funds, staking, and lending.”

Stablecoins

Nomura flagged currency-pegged tokens as a key driver of growth, with 63%of respondents seeing real uses for stablecoins, including managing cash, making cross-border payments, trading currencies, and investing in crypto and tokenised assets.

“Stablecoins also show strong demand for practical use, with preference focused on major financial institution issuers, highlighting the importance of issuer trust,” the bank wrote.

Across the yen, dollar and euro, stablecoins issued by major financial institutions are seen as the most trusted.

Lance Datskoluo is DL News’ Europe-based markets correspondent. Got a tip? Email him at lance@dlnews.com