Survey of institutional investors in Japan shows over half of respondents intend to invest in digital assets over the next 3 years

Tokyo and Zurich, 24 June 2024, Nomura Holdings and its digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital, present today the results of their recent survey; “Institutional Investor Survey on Digital Asset Investment Trends“, which was conducted by Nomura Holdings and Laser Digital Holdings AG.

In light of the changing environment surrounding digital assets in Japan, the survey was conducted to understand the investment trends and intentions of Japanese investment managers in digital assets, including future investment intentions and investment ratios for crypto assets, as well as the issues which arise when considering investment in crypto assets.

More than 500 investment managers in Japan were surveyed, from institutional investors, family offices and public-service corporations in Japan, with AUM ranging from several hundred million yen to several hundred billion yen. The study found that over half of those surveyed are motivated to invest in digital assets to some extent in the future as 54% responded that they intend to invest in crypto assets over the next 3 years.

In addition, 25% of respondents said they have a “Positive” impression of crypto assets. 62% see crypto assets as a diversification opportunity, and many of those surveyed see crypto assets as an investment asset class. It was indicated that when investing in crypto assets, the preferred allocation is 2~5% of AUM.

For the respondents who are investing or considering investing in crypto assets, the drivers for future investment were the development of a variety of products such as ETFs, investment trusts, staking, lending and other products. Also, about half of the respondents said that they would like to invest in Web3 projects either directly or via VC funds. A change in the Limited Partnerships Act would help to facilitate these investments. This revision in the law, which is expected later this year, would add crypto assets to the list of assets that LPs can acquire.

For the respondents who are not currently considering investing, barriers to entry include counterparty risk, high volatility and regulatory requirements. However, these hurdles could soon be lowered, as Japan’s digital asset laws and regulations are rapidly being developed, enabling increased engagement from institutional investors in the future.

For more information on the survey, please visit https://laserdigital.com/research/

About Nomura Holdings, Inc.

Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership. For further information about Nomura, visit www.nomura.com.

About Laser Digital

Laser Digital is a digital asset business redefining the frontier of digital finance. Backed by Nomura, Laser Digital delivers scalable, robust opportunities across trading, asset management, and ventures. The team works at higher risk management standards, compliance, and commercial viability, all driven by a belief in more responsible engagement in digital assets. With an open and dynamic culture, Laser Digital has the freedom to adapt to market needs, to move swiftly to capitalisation, and to share learnings with clients and partners – bringing greater confidence to the institutional market for the benefit of all.

For more information, please visit: https://www.laserdigital.com

Nomura Holdings, Inc. Media Contact

Kenji Yamashita

Strategic Media Relations, Group Corporate Communications Dept.

81-3-3278-0591

Laser Digital Media Contact:

Sophie Arnold

Head of Communications

Laser Digital

sophie.arnold@laserdigital.com

Disclaimer:

Marketing communication: This document may be considered as a marketing communication in certain jurisdictions – in all circumstances, this document is addressed exclusively to professional and institutional investors residing in eligible jurisdictions. This document is not a contractually binding document or an information document required by any legislative provision, and is not sufficient to take an investment decision.  

No offering: Nothing in this document amounts to, or should be construed as, an offer, placement, invitation or general solicitation to invest in any product or to buy or sell securities, digital assets, or to engage in any other related or unrelated transactions. This document was not prepared in compliance with applicable provisions of law designed to promote the independence of financial analysis and is not subject to a prohibition on trading following the distribution of financial research. This document does not purport to contain all of the information that may be required to evaluate any potential transaction and should not be relied on in connection with any such potential transaction. Any future offers to invest in any product will be subject to the relevant offering documentation.  

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Digital assets: Digital assets regulation is still developing across all jurisdictions and governments may in the future restrict the use and exchange of any or all digital assets. Digital assets are generally not backed nor supported by any government or central bank, are not insured by depositor nor investor guarantees schemes and do not have the same protections countries’ bank deposits may have and are more volatile than traditional currencies and/or other investments. Transacting in digital assets carries the risk of market manipulation and cybersecurity failures such as the risk of hacking, theft, programming bugs, and accidental loss. Differing forms of digital assets may carry different risks. In certain circumstances it may not be possible to liquidate a digital assets position in a timely manner at a reasonable price. The volatility and unpredictability of the price of digital assets may lead to significant and immediate losses.  

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UAE (ADGM): In ADGM, this document is issued by Laser Digital (AD) Ltd (“LDAD”), with registered office at 1134, 11, Al Maqam Tower, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. LDAD is authorised by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), holding a financial services permission with number 240029. The scope of Regulated Activities and relevant restrictions are set out here: https://www.adgm.com/public-registers/fsra/fsf/laser-digital-ad-limited. In accordance with section 30(4)(a) of FSMR, the following limitations and stipulations apply to all Regulated Activities, unless specified otherwise: Laser Digital (AD) Limited is not permitted to deal with Retail Clients as defined under the Conduct of Business Rulebook (COBS). This webpage is intended for distribution only to Professional Investors and/or Market Counterparties. It must not be delivered to, relied on by or acted upon by, any other person. The FSRA does not accept any responsibility for the content of the information included in this webpage/document, including the accuracy or completeness of such information. The FSRA has also not assessed the suitability of the products or services to which this webpage relates to any particular investor or type of investor. If you do not understand the contents of this webpage or are unsure whether the products or services to which this webpage relates are suitable for your individual investment objectives and circumstances, you should consult an authorised financial adviser. 

UAE (excluding ADGM and DIFC): In the UAE (excluding ADGM and DIFC), this document is issued by Laser Digital Middle East FZE (“LDME”). LDME is authorised and regulated by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (“VARA”) with registered number VL/23/06/001. We are registered in Dubai, and only deal with or for Qualified Investors and Institutional Investors as defined by VARA. Our registered office is located at One Central, Office 3, Level 53, Unit 512345, Dubai, UAE. Additional information on LDME and the relevant regulatory disclosures may be found at https://www.laserdigital.com/laser-digital-middle-east. The information contained herein, does not constitute, and is not intended to constitute, a public offer of securities in the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) and accordingly should not be construed as such.  

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