Morgan Stanley enables direct crypto trading on E*TRADE

The rollout follows a pilot program initiated in May and marks a significant expansion of Morgan Stanley’s digital asset strategy. While current functionality focuses on trading and custody, the firm plans to introduce transfer capabilities later this year, enabling clients to move assets into and outside of their brokerage accounts. This transition will eventually shift the service from Zerohash to the bank’s own Morgan Stanley Digital Trust, pending the finalization of its national trust bank charter application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Beyond direct trading, the firm is broadening its crypto footprint through multiple channels. Morgan Stanley recently launched a spot Bitcoin ETF that amassed $384 million in net assets and is preparing to introduce additional ETFs tied to Ethereum and Solana. These initiatives operate alongside a referral agreement with Galaxy Digital, which allows high-net-worth clients to lend digital assets in exchange for shares in investment products. These moves solidify the bank's position as a primary financial institution integrating traditional brokerage services with direct crypto exposure.