Ethereum News Today: Morgan Stanley EU Interns Shift to XRP as Bitcoin and Ethereum Lose Appeal

Morgan Stanley interns in the EU have shown a dramatic shift in their cryptocurrency preferences, with XRP emerging as the only digital asset gaining traction amid a general decline in crypto ownership. A recent survey by Morgan Stanley Research reveals that just 12% of EU interns currently own Bitcoin, a sharp drop from 63% in 2022 [1]. The broader disengagement is evident, with 82% of respondents stating they hold no digital currencies at all—up from 69% in 2024 [1].

Ethereum (ETH), once a dominant force among young investors, has seen a similar decline. Ownership of the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization has plummeted from 60% in 2022 to just 7% in 2025 [1]. Cardano (ADA) has followed a similar trajectory, with its ownership shrinking from 27% in 2022 to less than 3% in 2025 [1].

XRP, however, has bucked the trend. The token moved from 0% to 5% in 2025, nearly matching the level of Ethereum and outpacing Cardano [1]. Analysts attribute this growth to XRP’s greater regulatory clarity and a strong fourth-quarter performance in 2024 that captured significant media attention [1].

The findings raise broader questions about the relevance of traditional financial institutions in the eyes of younger investors. Austin Campbell, managing partner and founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting, argues that banks are struggling to attract talent with a strong interest in crypto and technology. “Interns who care about crypto and technology just don’t go to a bank at all now,” he noted [1]. Campbell, who has worked at JPMorgan and Citibank, emphasized that younger investors increasingly distrust traditional banks, seeing them as technologically out of touch. “The banks are increasingly out of touch with what is going on, moving from 1 generation to 2 generations to 3 generations behind on their understanding of technology,” he added [1].

The data underscores a growing gap between major financial institutions and the evolving digital asset landscape. As XRP gains favor among young investors, the challenge for banks like Morgan Stanley lies in whether they can adapt their strategies to better reflect the preferences and expectations of the next generation of financial professionals [1].

Source: [1] Morgan Stanley Interns Buy XRP and Ditch Ethereum (ETH) – U.Today (https://u.today/morgan-stanley-interns-buy-xrp-and-ditch-ethereum-eth)