Global financial services giant Morgan Stanley is reportedly developing plans to introduce cryptocurrency trading on its popular retail investment platform, E*Trade. If implemented, this would mark one of the most significant moves by a major U.S. bank to provide mainstream access to digital assets, particularly for everyday retail investors.
A Major Shift Toward Retail Crypto Accessibility
According to individuals familiar with the matter, the project is still in its early stages, but Morgan Stanley executives are targeting a 2025 launch. This initiative would represent the bank’s boldest step yet into the crypto space and could help it tap into the growing demand among retail traders for digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins.
This development also comes as part of a broader shift within traditional finance toward embracing blockchain technology and digital currencies, especially following the regulatory easing initiated during the Trump administration.
What This Means for E*Trade Clients
If launched, E*Trade clients would be able to buy, sell, and possibly store cryptocurrencies directly from their trading accounts. This would put Morgan Stanley in closer competition with platforms like Robinhood, Coinbase, and Fidelity, which have already captured substantial retail interest in crypto trading.
The move could also significantly boost crypto adoption by bringing digital asset trading to millions of existing E*Trade users who are already engaged in stock, ETF, and options trading.
Why This Move Is Important:
- First-of-its-kind move by a traditional Wall Street bank targeting everyday investors.
- Bridges the gap between traditional finance and emerging digital assets.
- Increases mainstream access to crypto, with integrated trading via E*Trade.
- Could spark further institutional and regulatory acceptance of cryptocurrencies.