Crypto Crosses Mainstream Threshold as Morgan Stanley Opens Access

Morgan Stanley has expanded access to cryptocurrency investments for all of its wealth management clients, removing prior restrictions that limited such exposure to high-net-worth individuals. Starting October 15, financial advisors will be able to recommend crypto funds to any client, including those with retirement accounts, a shift from previous requirements that restricted access to clients with at least $1.5 million in assets and an aggressive risk tolerance Morgan Stanley drops crypto fund restrictions for wealth clients^[1]. This move aligns with broader regulatory shifts under the Trump administration and reflects growing institutional acceptance of digital assets as a mainstream investment class Morgan Stanley Opens Crypto Access to All Clients Amid Wall …^[2].

The firm's Global Investment Committee (GIC) has issued guidance recommending a maximum initial allocation of up to 4% of client portfolios to cryptocurrencies, depending on investment goals ranging from wealth conservation to opportunistic growth Morgan Stanley Recommends a 4% 'Opportunistic' Crypto Portfolio …^[3]. Lisa Shalett, Morgan Stanley's chief investment officer for wealth management, described crypto as a "speculative and increasingly popular asset class" that fits within a diversified portfolio Morgan Stanley Unleashes Crypto Funds for All Wealth Clients – Is …^[4]. Automated monitoring systems will ensure clients do not become overly concentrated in volatile assets, with quarterly rebalancing advised to maintain stability Morgan Stanley Expands Crypto Access To All Clients As Wall Street Finally Embraces Crypto^[5].

Currently, advisors are permitted to pitch Bitcoin funds from BlackRock and Fidelity, though the bank is monitoring the market for potential additions to its offerings, including other cryptocurrencies Morgan Stanley is opening cryptocurrency investments to all …^[6]. Clients may also request exposure to listed crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) Morgan Stanley Backs Crypto With 4% Allocation Plan^[7]. This expansion positions Morgan Stanley to compete with platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood, which have attracted younger, crypto-native investors Morgan Stanley E*Trade Plans Bitcoin Ethereum Solana Trading …^[8].

The bank is also preparing to enable direct trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through its E-Trade subsidiary in early 2026, partnering with infrastructure provider Zerohash for custody and settlement Morgan Stanley to Launch Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana Trading …^[9]. This "phase one" initiative aims to integrate digital assets into traditional portfolios, with executives emphasizing blockchain's proven infrastructure Morgan Stanley Set to Ignite Crypto Adoption with E*Trade's 2026 …^[10]. The firm's broader strategy includes developing a full wallet solution for clients, reflecting its commitment to digital assets as a long-term component of wealth management Morgan Stanley Expands Crypto Access To All Clients As Wall Street Finally Embraces Crypto^[11].

The decision follows regulatory clarity under the Trump administration, including the GENIUS Act's framework for stablecoins, and growing demand for crypto exposure among institutional and retail investors Morgan Stanley opens door to Bitcoin, Ethereum investments^[12]. With $8.2 trillion in client assets, Morgan Stanley's move underscores the maturation of the crypto market and its increasing integration into mainstream finance Morgan Stanley Expands Crypto Access To All Clients As Wall Street Finally Embraces Crypto^[13].