Dec 28 (Reuters) - Japan-based brokerage firm Monex Group said on Thursday it will acquire a majority stake in Canada's 3iQ Digital Holdings to boost its appeal to crypto-hungry institutional investors.

The deal underscores a resurgence in the popularity of crypto, which has gained ground after being battered by a string of industry meltdowns last year.

Monex said the acquisition will help boost its asset management business. The company also operates an online brokerage and a crypto exchange in Japan.

TD Cowen advised Monex on the deal, while Cinaport Capital was the adviser to 3iQ. (Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)