Interest in virtual assets continues to grow significantly among younger generations, particularly in the United States and South Korea, as perceptions surrounding these digital currencies shift from risky investments toward more mainstream payment methods.
A recent survey conducted by Visa highlights this changing landscape, revealing that nearly half of Generation Z in the U.S. would prefer to receive virtual assets as year-end gifts. Specifically, 28% of all surveyed adults expressed enthusiasm for receiving virtual currencies, while the figure jumps to 45% for Generation Z. The survey also noted that 44% of these individuals have used virtual assets to make purchases, suggesting that digital currencies are increasingly being accepted as a viable means of payment.
Bruce Cundiff, Visa’s Vice President of Consumer Insights, remarked on the evolving consumer culture, emphasizing that “nearly half of Americans are using AI in their shopping process,” revealing a significant shift in how Millennials and Generation Z are culturally redefining payment trends. According to the survey, a prediction made by respondents indicates that around 10% foresee stablecoins—cryptocurrencies tethered to more stable assets—as mainstream payment options by 2030, and 28% anticipate increased usage by 2035.
Even amidst the volatility that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies often exhibit, there remains a strong attraction to virtual assets, as evidenced by commentary from Newsweek, which noted that many young Americans are excited about receiving them as gifts this holiday season. This enthusiasm suggests the potential for digital currencies to further cement their position as a mainstream asset class accepted across various sectors, including retail and financial institutions.
The trend toward virtual asset investment is also mirrored in South Korea, where the most recent “2025 Korea Wealth Report” released by KB Financial Group Management Research Institute notes a decline in the proportion of real estate assets among wealthy individuals, from 59% in 2021 to 54.8% this year. In contrast, the percentage of financial and alternative assets, which includes virtual currencies, is on the rise. There is a notable increase in the willingness of South Koreans to invest in virtual assets, with 16% expressing interest—up 7 percentage points from the previous year.
The report indicates a broader acceptance of virtual assets as digital investment tools, with 76.3% of respondents categorizing them as such, and 58.3% believing that they serve as a common payment method. However, concerns linger regarding their inherent volatility and sustainability as investment vehicles, with 45% of respondents suggesting that virtual assets may only represent a temporary trend.
Despite some hesitations, the overall outlook for virtual assets remains promising, indicating a gradual but notable shift in financial behavior both in the United States and South Korea. This evolving perspective suggests that as younger generations become increasingly integrated into the digital economy, virtual assets could become a defining characteristic of future financial landscapes.