Bitcoin News Today: Morgan Stanley Expands Crypto Access Amid Pro-Crypto Regulations

Morgan Stanley has announced a significant policy shift, removing prior restrictions that limited access to cryptocurrency investments for its wealth management clients. Effective October 15, 2025, financial advisors will be authorized to recommend crypto funds to all clients, including those with retirement accounts, regardless of net worth or risk tolerance Mike Kemp | In Pictures | Getty Images^[1]. Previously, access was restricted to clients with at least $1.5 million in assets and an aggressive risk profile Morgan Stanley Opens Bitcoin Access To All Wealth Clients^[2]. The move aligns with broader regulatory changes under the Trump administration, which has adopted a more favorable stance toward digital assets Morgan Stanley Opens Crypto Investing to All of its Clients^[3].

The bank will employ automated monitoring systems to ensure clients do not overexpose their portfolios to the volatile asset class, with a recommended maximum initial allocation of up to 4% depending on individual goals Morgan Stanley | Global Leader in Financial Services^[4]. Lisa Shalett, Morgan Stanley's chief investment officer for wealth management, noted in an internal report that the firm views cryptocurrency as a "speculative and increasingly popular asset class" Morgan Stanley broadens crypto fund access to wealth clients as …^[5].

Currently, advisors are limited to promoting Bitcoin funds from BlackRock and Fidelity, though the firm is monitoring the market for potential additions, including other cryptocurrencies Morgan Stanley and Bank of America Detail Crypto Integration Plans^[6]. This expansion follows Morgan Stanley's recent announcement to enable direct trading of Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana through its E-Trade subsidiary, further integrating crypto into its services Morgan Stanley Opens Crypto Access to All Clients Amid Wall …^[7].

The policy shift reflects growing institutional acceptance of digital assets as mainstream investment vehicles. With $8.2 trillion in client assets under management, Morgan Stanley's decision underscores competitive pressures from fintech platforms and the proliferation of crypto ETFs, such as BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust, which has attracted nearly $100 billion in assets Morgan Stanley drops crypto fund restrictions for wealth clients^[8]. The firm's global investment committee emphasized the need for regular portfolio rebalancing to mitigate volatility risks, advising clients to review holdings quarterly or annually Morgan Stanley Opens Crypto Access to All Clients Amid Wall …^[9].