Morgan Stanley plans to launch cryptocurrency trading on E*Trade platform

According to a May 1 Bloomberg report, the company plans to list crypto assets on E*Trade in 2026. The plan is still in the early stages of development, and the bank is allegedly exploring partnerships with established crypto companies to provide services. Internal discussions about cryptocurrency support are said to have begun in late 2024.

Morgan Stanley has had exposure to digital assets before. The bank’s wealthiest clients already have access to cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and futures, and the company’s advisors have been allowed to recommend the Bitcoin ETF since August 2024.

Regulatory tailwinds boost crypto development

The news follows previous reports that Morgan Stanley considered adding cryptocurrency trading to its E*Trade online brokerage platform in early January. Previous reports cited expectations for a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment.

The move comes against the backdrop of an increasingly favorable regulatory environment in the United States following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump supported cryptocurrencies during his campaign and has personally been involved in multiple blockchain projects.

The first 30 days of the Trump administration brought notable changes to the local crypto industry. Recently, U.S. cryptocurrency supporters expressed optimism after the swearing-in of pro-crypto Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins.

The SEC had already significantly changed its stance before Atkins took office. At the end of February, the agency had already suspended several cryptocurrency enforcement cases that were about to expire.