by The sentiment “we are still early” resonates deeply within the cryptocurrency community as we navigate through 2025. Despite Bitcoin’s (BTC) remarkable price surge past $100,000, the overall adoption of digital currencies is still perceived as being in its infancy. A recent survey conducted by Morgan Stanley among financial professionals sheds light on this ongoing narrative.
Survey Overview: Insights from the Next Generation of Finance Leaders
In June and July of 2025, Morgan Stanley surveyed over 500 summer interns across North America and 147 interns in Europe. The findings reveal that only 18% of interns currently own or utilize cryptocurrencies, a modest increase from 13% in the previous year. Meanwhile, the interest in digital assets among these future finance leaders has risen to 26%, up from 23% in 2024. However, a significant 55% still express indifference towards cryptocurrencies, although this figure has improved from 63% last year.
The Wall Street Context: Bitcoin ETFs and Institutional Adoption
The lack of widespread interest in crypto is notable, especially considering Bitcoin’s growing acceptance on Wall Street. Since the introduction of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), the 11 available BTC ETFs have garnered an impressive $53.7 billion in investor wealth since their debut in January 2024, according to data from Farside Investors. Additionally, Ether ETFs have attracted $12.4 billion in inflows.
Corporations are increasingly adding both Bitcoin and Ethereum to their balance sheets, further solidifying their positions in institutional investor portfolios. Bitcoin’s remarkable price surge this year, alongside Ether’s peak of over $4,800 last week, suggests a growing but cautious acceptance of digital assets.
AI Adoption: A Clear Preference Among Interns
In stark contrast to the lukewarm interest in cryptocurrencies, the survey highlights a strong affinity for artificial intelligence (AI) among interns. A staggering 96% of U.S. interns and 91% of their European counterparts indicated that they use AI technology at least occasionally. The effectiveness of AI is widely recognized, with nearly all respondents agreeing that it “saves time” and is “easy to use.”
However, 88% of the interns expressed a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging that AI technology still requires improvements in accuracy. This trend aligns with Wall Street’s outlook, where the Mag 7 firms are projected to invest $650 billion in capital expenditures and research and development this year, emphasizing the growing importance of AI in financial services.
Humanoids: The Future of Robotics and Employment
The survey also delves into the interns’ interest in humanoids—sophisticated machines designed with human-like capabilities. Over 60% of U.S. interns and an even higher 69% of European interns expressed interest in having a humanoid at home. Both regions largely believe that these robots will have “viable use cases” and can replace many human jobs.
Despite this excitement, only 36% of U.S. interns and 24% of their European counterparts agree that humanoids will positively impact society. Morgan Stanley estimates that the humanoid market could exceed $5 trillion by 2050, encompassing sales related to supply chains and support networks. The investment banking giant predicts that there could be more than 1 billion humanoids in use by 2050, primarily for industrial and commercial applications.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Crypto and AI
As we look ahead, the contrasting levels of enthusiasm for cryptocurrency and AI among future finance professionals raise important questions about the future of digital assets. While Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to gain traction in institutional portfolios, the general public’s interest remains tepid. In comparison, AI is rapidly being embraced, indicating a potential shift in focus for upcoming finance leaders.
For those interested in entering the cryptocurrency market, understanding the dynamics of Bitcoin ETFs, how to buy cryptocurrency, and the latest trends in digital assets is crucial. As the landscape evolves, staying informed and adapting to these changes will be vital for success in the financial world.
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