The survey by Nomura Holdings’s digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital, provides insights into the inclination of Japanese investment managers towards digital assets. Participation from over 500 investment managers representing diverse institutions, family offices, and public-service organizations in Japan, managing assets ranging from hundreds of million yen to billions, showcased a notable trend.
Results from the survey indicated that 54% of the respondents are contemplating digital asset investments in the coming three years, underlining a rising allure towards crypto assets. Moreover, nearly half of the respondents displayed enthusiasm towards Web3 projects, either directly or through venture capital avenues.
Approximately a quarter of the respondents held a favorable view towards cryptocurrency assets. Among them, 62% recognized the value of crypto assets in diversifying investment portfolios and expressed interest in allocating a portion, typically between 2% and 5%, to such investments. The survey highlighted that products like ETFs, investment funds, staking, and lending are driving this interest.
The survey delineated barriers hindering individuals from considering digital assets, including concerns related to counterparty risk, volatility, and regulatory demands. It suggested that Japan's evolving digital asset regulations could alleviate these obstacles, potentially encouraging more institutional investors to engage in the digital asset landscape.
Recently, Nomura Holdings and GMO Internet Group unveiled a collaborative initiative to explore stablecoin issuance based on the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the U.S. Dollar (USD). Leveraging the expertise of Nomura's Laser Digital in digital asset trading and management, the partnership aims to introduce a comprehensive solution known as "Stablecoin-as-a-Service," facilitating stablecoin operations with a focus on regulatory adherence and blockchain integration.
By coming together, Nomura Holdings and GMO Internet Group foresee advancing financial innovation and accessibility in Japan, propelling the utilization of digital assets and expanding opportunities within the financial realm in the country.
