Morgan Stanley plans crypto trading on E*Trade in 2026, expanding digital assets, private markets, tokenization efforts, and wallet services for investors.
Morgan Stanley is advancing a broad digital asset strategy across wealth management and private markets. The firm plans to introduce cryptocurrency trading through its E\*Trade platform by 2026.
Additionally, executives noted an increasing institutional demand for regulated exposure to cryptocurrency. Consequently, the move indicates further involvement of Wall Street in digital assets.
Morgan Stanley Expands Crypto Trading Through E*Trade
According to the company plans, the clients of E*Trade will be able to trade Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana in 1H 2026. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley will be teaming up with Zerohash for digital asset infrastructure. This partnership offers custody, execution and settlement support. Therefore, the bank can scale service with compliance requirements.
According to Barron’s, Morgan Stanley is advancing a strategy spanning digital assets, wealth management, and private markets. The firm plans to enable trading in Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana on its E*Trade platform in the first half of 2026, followed by the launch of a proprietary…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 8, 2026
In addition, Morgan Stanley plans to offer a proprietary digital wallet in 2H 2026. This wallet will include support for crypto and future tokenized assets. As a result, it is possible for clients to manage traditional investments and digital holdings all in one platform.
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Meanwhile, the firm recently relaxed its restrictions for wealth management clients who are investing in crypto products. Specifically, there are now ways for advisers to provide exposure to the asset class, including regulated vehicles such as ETFs.
This policy change came after the inflows into crypto funds were on the rise in 2024. Hence, Morgan Stanley is matching services with the changing investor preferences.
The amount of crypto now in the global market has a market capitalization of almost $3.9 trillion. Bitcoin is the largest with a market cap of roughly $2.25 trillion. Ether comes next, at a value of about $506 billion. Solana’s inclusion is due to great interest from institutions and increasing network adoption metrics.
Importantly, Solana has received a lot of capital from funds that want a faster settlement time and lower costs. Therefore, its addition represents a strategic move far beyond legacy crypto assets. Morgan Stanley is in a competitive position with other world investment banks.
Tokenization Plans Highlight Private Market Ambitions
Beyond trading, Morgan Stanley may consider equity tokenization in private markets. Tokenization could make transactions more efficient and more timely. Currently, settlements made through the private market take several weeks.
Moreover, tokenized equities may increase transparency and record-keeping. This may help to reduce operational risk for both issuers and investors. In addition, the increased liquidity may be attractive to capital in private markets.
Industry figures indicate there is over $13 trillion in private market assets worldwide. However, the issue of liquidity is persistent. Tokenized structures may open up secondary trading possibilities. Consequently, exploration from Morgan Stanley is a sign of long-term commitment to innovation beyond public markets.
Competitive pressures from competitors are also reflected in the bank’s digital strategy. A number of global institutions have grown their blockchain pilots since 2023. Further, there is potential for both retail and institutional clients in Morgan Stanley’s plan.
Ultimately, the combination of crypto trading, digital wallets, and tokenization could transform the models of wealth management. Therefore, 2026 could become a significant year for institutional integration of crypto.