Only 12% of Morgan Stanley EU interns currently own Bitcoin, marking a significant drop from 63% in 2022, while XRP ownership rises from 0% to 5%, reflecting shifting crypto preferences among young professionals.
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Bitcoin ownership among Morgan Stanley EU interns dropped sharply from 63% in 2022 to 12% in 2024.
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Ethereum and Cardano also saw steep declines, with Ethereum ownership falling to 7% and Cardano to 3% in 2025.
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XRP bucked the trend, increasing to 5% ownership, likely due to regulatory clarity and a strong rally in late 2024.
Morgan Stanley EU interns’ crypto ownership declines sharply, with XRP gaining popularity. Discover key trends and talent challenges in crypto adoption.
How Has Crypto Ownership Changed Among Morgan Stanley EU Interns?
The latest Morgan Stanley Research survey reveals a dramatic decline in cryptocurrency ownership among EU interns. Bitcoin ownership fell from 63% in 2022 to just 12% in 2024, indicating waning interest or confidence. Ethereum and Cardano experienced even steeper drops, with Ethereum ownership plunging from 60% to 7% and Cardano from 27% to 3% over the same period. This data highlights a significant shift in crypto engagement within this demographic.
Why Is XRP Gaining Popularity Despite Overall Declines?
XRP, currently the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, defied the downward trend by rising from 0% ownership in 2022 to 5% in 2025 among Morgan Stanley interns. This growth is attributed to greater regulatory clarity surrounding XRP and a notable rally in the fourth quarter of 2024, which increased investor confidence. XRP now surpasses Cardano in popularity within this group.
What Talent Challenges Are Banks Facing in the Crypto Space?
Austin Campbell, managing partner at Zero Knowledge Consulting and former JPMorgan and Citibank professional, highlights a growing talent gap in banking. He notes that interns passionate about crypto and technology increasingly avoid traditional banks. Campbell explains, “Young people hate banks, and banks are moving generations behind in their understanding of technology,” signaling a disconnect that could impact future innovation and recruitment.
How Does This Talent Gap Affect the Banking Industry’s Crypto Adoption?
The reluctance of crypto-savvy interns to join banks may slow institutional adoption of blockchain technologies. Banks risk losing competitive edge as they fall behind in tech expertise. This talent shortage underscores the need for banks to modernize and engage younger professionals who are more familiar with digital assets and decentralized finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the sharp drop in Ethereum ownership among interns?
Ethereum ownership among Morgan Stanley EU interns fell from 60% in 2022 to 7% in 2025, reflecting broader market volatility and shifting investor preferences within the crypto space.
Why are young professionals avoiding banks for crypto careers?
Young professionals perceive banks as outdated and disconnected from modern technology trends, leading them to seek opportunities in more innovative crypto and tech companies.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin ownership among Morgan Stanley EU interns has significantly declined, signaling reduced crypto engagement.
- XRP’s rising popularity is linked to regulatory clarity and market rallies, making it a favored token.
- Banks face a talent gap as crypto-interested interns avoid traditional financial institutions, impacting innovation.
Conclusion
The Morgan Stanley survey reveals a clear decline in crypto ownership among EU interns, except for XRP, which benefits from regulatory progress and market momentum. This trend, combined with a widening talent gap in banking, underscores the challenges traditional financial institutions face in adapting to the evolving crypto landscape. Addressing these issues is critical for banks aiming to remain competitive in the digital asset era.
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Morgan Stanley EU interns exhibit a steep decline in Bitcoin and Ethereum ownership, highlighting shifting crypto engagement.
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XRP ownership rises from 0% to 5%, driven by regulatory clarity and a strong market rally in late 2024.
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Industry expert Austin Campbell points to a talent problem in banking, with crypto-focused interns avoiding traditional banks.
Morgan Stanley EU interns’ crypto ownership drops sharply, while XRP gains traction. Explore how talent challenges impact banking’s crypto future.
Declining Crypto Ownership Among Morgan Stanley EU Interns
Recent research from Morgan Stanley reveals a notable decrease in cryptocurrency ownership among its EU interns. Bitcoin ownership has dropped from 63% in 2022 to just 12% in 2024, signaling reduced enthusiasm or confidence in the asset. Ethereum and Cardano have experienced even more dramatic declines, with Ethereum ownership falling to 7% and Cardano to 3% in 2025. This data reflects a broader trend of diminishing crypto engagement among young finance professionals.
XRP’s Contrasting Rise in Popularity
Contrary to the overall downward trend, XRP has seen increased adoption among Morgan Stanley interns, rising from 0% ownership in 2022 to 5% in 2025. This growth is largely attributed to XRP’s improved regulatory standing and a significant rally in the final quarter of 2024. XRP now ranks higher in popularity than Cardano within this group, highlighting shifting preferences.
Banking Sector’s Talent Challenges in Crypto Adoption
Austin Campbell, founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting and former JPMorgan and Citibank professional, identifies a critical talent issue in banking. He notes that interns interested in crypto and technology increasingly avoid banks, stating, “Young people hate banks, and banks are moving generations behind in their understanding of technology.” This disconnect poses risks for banks trying to innovate and integrate blockchain technologies effectively.
