Morgan Stanley plans to enable crypto trading on its E*Trade platform by 2026, according to a Bloomberg report published on May 1. The move would expand the bank’s digital asset services from institutional clients to retail investors.
Internal discussions began in late 2024. The bank is exploring partnerships with established crypto firms to develop the platform’s infrastructure. No confirmed partner or service provider has been named.
E*Trade, acquired by Morgan Stanley in 2020 for $13 billion, serves over 7 million brokerage accounts. The crypto trading rollout would mark a significant step in broadening access to digital assets.
Morgan Stanley Clients Already Access Bitcoin ETFs
Morgan Stanley already provides crypto-related investment tools to its wealthiest clients. Since August 2024, its financial advisers have offered Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to high-net-worth portfolios.
The bank holds $188 million in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, based on recent regulatory filings. It also provides access to Bitcoin futures and other crypto-linked products through its institutional channels.
In January 2025, the firm started reviewing options to expand crypto functionality on E*Trade. That review was based on signals of easing federal restrictions on digital asset trading.
The timing of Morgan Stanley’s crypto expansion follows changes in U.S. regulatory policy. After Donald Trump returned to the presidency in January 2025, several developments supported the digital asset sector.
In February, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) paused several enforcement actions against crypto firms. Shortly afterward, Paul Atkins was sworn in as SEC Chair. Atkins, a former SEC commissioner, is known for a lighter regulatory approach.
Trump has actively supported the crypto industry. His policy shift appears to have encouraged traditional financial institutions to accelerate their digital asset strategies.
Trump Faces Scrutiny Over Personal Crypto Ties
Trump’s personal involvement in crypto has drawn attention. Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned his links to a memecoin and raised concerns over financial disclosures tied to his media ventures.
Senator Jon Ossoff called for impeachment proceedings, citing alleged access-for-payment behavior tied to the Trump Official (TRUMP) memecoin.
“He is granting audiences to people who buy his memecoin,”
Ossoff said. “There is no question that that rises to the level of an impeachable offense.”
Trump has not responded publicly to these allegations. Morgan Stanley has not issued any statement regarding the controversy.
Disclosure:This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
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