In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance, the narrative that “we are still early” continues to resonate within the crypto community, even as Bitcoin (BTC) rockets past the $100,000 mark. Despite this milestone, a recent survey by Morgan Stanley suggests that the adoption of digital assets remains in its nascent stages. Conducted among over 500 summer interns across North America and Europe, the survey paints a picture of a future finance workforce that is more intrigued by artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots than by cryptocurrencies.
Divergent Interests: Crypto vs. AI
Morgan Stanley’s findings reveal a lukewarm interest in cryptocurrencies among the next generation of financial professionals. Only 18% of interns reported owning or using digital assets—a modest increase from 13% last year. Interest in crypto has also seen a slight uptick, with 26% expressing curiosity, up from 23%. Nevertheless, the majority, 55%, remain indifferent to digital currencies, a decline from 63% in the previous year.
This indifference is notable, given that Bitcoin has solidified its presence on Wall Street through the introduction of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Since their debut in January last year, 11 spot BTC ETFs have accumulated a staggering $53.7 billion in investor wealth, with Ether ETFs drawing in $12.4 billion. Corporations are increasingly integrating these digital assets into their balance sheets, yet the enthusiasm among future financiers appears tepid. This trend contrasts with findings from a Kraken survey, where a majority of dual-asset investors see crypto outpacing stocks over the next decade.
Conversely, AI captures the imagination of nearly all interns surveyed. In the United States, 96% of interns reported using AI technology, slightly outpacing their European peers at 91%. The overwhelming majority find AI tools effective, acknowledging their time-saving capabilities and ease of use. However, there’s a consensus that these technologies require better accuracy, pointing to a nuanced understanding of AI’s current limitations.
The Rise of Humanoids
The allure of AI extends into the realm of humanoid robots, sophisticated machines designed to emulate human form and capabilities. A significant portion of interns—over 60% in the U.S. and 69% in Europe—expressed interest in owning such robots, citing their potential “viable use cases” and the likelihood of replacing many human jobs.
Yet, this enthusiasm is tempered by caution. Only 36% of U.S. interns and 24% of Europeans believe that humanoids will have a positive societal impact. Morgan Stanley forecasts that the humanoid market could exceed $5 trillion by 2050, encompassing sales from supply chains and support networks. Their report suggests that while humanoids are still in development, over a billion could be operational by mid-century, predominantly serving industrial and commercial needs.
Crypto’s Path Forward
In light of these findings, the future of cryptocurrency adoption among new finance professionals raises intriguing questions. Why does AI seem to overshadow crypto in terms of interest and perceived utility? Perhaps the entrenched volatility and regulatory uncertainties surrounding digital assets create a hesitancy that AI, with its more tangible applications, does not. This hesitancy is echoed in some investors’ decisions to shift from Bitcoin to sovereign bonds, as they seek more stable returns.
As the summer interns of today transition into the financial leaders of tomorrow, their preferences could shape the trajectory of both emerging technologies. The crypto community’s mantra of being “early” might hold true, but it’s clear that digital assets must continue evolving to capture the imagination of newer generations.
The crypto market’s journey is far from over, with potential hurdles and opportunities lying ahead. Whether the interest in digital currencies will eventually catch up with—or even surpass—the current fervor for AI and humanoids remains an open question, one that will unfold in the coming years. The world of finance, it seems, is just getting started.
Source
This article is based on: ‘We Are Still Early’: Morgan Stanley’s Intern Survey Reveals as Crypto Interest Lags Behind AI & Robots
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
