Morgan Stanley Sets Sights on Crypto Trading for E*Trade by 2026
Wall Street Giant Prepares Strategic Entry into Retail Digital Asset Market Amid Pro-Crypto Political Winds
In a move that signals growing institutional confidence in digital assets, Morgan Stanley is preparing to roll out cryptocurrency trading on its E*Trade platform by 2026, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. The investment bank is in early-stage development of the offering and is reportedly in talks with established crypto firms to build out the infrastructure.
This marks Morgan Stanley’s boldest step yet toward retail-facing crypto services, though the firm is no stranger to the digital asset space. Since August 2024, its wealth management arm has already offered clients access to Bitcoin ETFs and crypto futures, with licensed advisors permitted to pitch these products.
Crypto Integration Gathers Momentum After Political Shift
The timing of Morgan Stanley’s pivot is closely tied to recent shifts in the U.S. regulatory environment. Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, the crypto industry has gained traction, bolstered by a more accommodating stance from federal regulators. Trump has personally backed blockchain ventures and campaigned on pro-crypto policies, triggering optimism across financial markets.
Adding to the momentum is the appointment of Paul Atkins as the new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, a noted pro-crypto figure. Even prior to Atkins’ confirmation, the SEC had paused several enforcement actions, signaling a major policy shift.
Political Backlash Over Trump’s Crypto Ties Emerges
Despite the favorable environment, Trump’s direct involvement with crypto has raised red flags among lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren and others have criticized the president’s Trump Official (TRUMP) memecoin and his media ventures, citing potential conflicts of interest.
Senator Jon Ossoff recently called for Trump’s impeachment, accusing the president of “selling access to top holders of his memecoin.” Ossoff stated:
Share This“When the sitting president of the United States is selling access for what are effectively payments directly to him, there is no question that that rises to the level of an impeachable offense.”
