Morgan Stanley Ventures Into Crypto Trading with 2026 E*Trade Launch

By: Eva Baxter

Morgan Stanley, one of Wall Street's leading financial institutions, is set to expand its influence into the burgeoning crypto space by offering proprietary crypto trading services via its E*Trade platform. In a landmark move, the bank will partner with digital asset infrastructure provider Zerohash to facilitate this venture. Expected to commence in the first half of 2026, this advancement will enable E*Trade clients to access and trade leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

The rollout of these services demonstrates Morgan Stanley's commitment to integrating digital assets into traditional financial systems, a move mirrored by its peers. Institutions like Interactive Brokers and Robinhood have already made strides in offering cryptocurrency services, reflecting a broader acceptance and demand within the financial sector for crypto exposure. The decision by Morgan Stanley underscores a significant pivot towards accommodating alternative investments, driven by a considerable crypto market valuation currently approximated at $3.9 trillion.

The strategic collaboration with Zerohash is essential in this endeavor, allowing Morgan Stanley to leverage robust infrastructure without the need for developing separate trading and custody systems. Zerohash, having recently raised $104 million, stands as a prominent player in facilitating crypto offerings for banks and fintech companies. This partnership is part of a larger scenario shaped by evolving regulatory landscapes, with recent U.S. policy changes under the Trump administration fostering a more conducive environment for digital asset integration.

As Morgan Stanley prepares for this launch, it is evident that the line between traditional finance and digital currencies continues to blur, propelling digital assets from their niche origins to prominent fixtures within global finance. This development not only caters to the increasing appetite among retail investors but also signals a broader institutional realization of crypto's potential.