Morgan Stanley Files for Bitcoin, Solana ETFs in Digital Assets Push

Morgan Stanley has filed registration statements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for spot Bitcoin and Solana ETFs, marking a significant step into the digital asset space. The filings, submitted on January 6, 2026, include a Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust and a Morgan Stanley Solana Trust. The latter also features a staking component, adding further innovation to the product suite.

The firm, which manages approximately $6.4 trillion in assets, aims to provide institutional and retail investors with regulated exposure to two of the largest cryptocurrencies. The Bitcoin Trust will hold the cryptocurrency directly, while the Solana Trust will include both direct holdings and a staking mechanism. The funds will trade on a U.S. national securities exchange, though ticker symbols have not yet been disclosed.

The move comes as the crypto ETF market matures. Cumulative trading volume across U.S. spot crypto ETFs has now exceeded $2 trillion, according to The Block. This reflects growing institutional confidence and regulatory progress in the space.

Why the Move Happened

Morgan Stanley's filings follow broader regulatory clarity and a more crypto-friendly environment under the Trump administration. The SEC approved new generic listing standards for crypto ETFs in September 2025, reducing the time required for approvals from months to days.

The firm also expanded access to crypto investments for all clients in October 2025, aligning with peer institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity. This strategic shift reflects a growing appetite among investors for regulated digital asset products.

How Markets Responded

Bitcoin prices have been fluctuating near $95,000, with traders closely watching for signs of a sustained breakout from the 200-day exponential moving average. The Bitcoin market has shown resilience despite macroeconomic headwinds, and institutional entry through ETFs could further strengthen liquidity and market depth.

Meanwhile, Solana's price action remains influenced by its staking yield and network activity. The inclusion of a staking feature in Morgan Stanley's Solana ETF may attract long-term investors seeking yield while maintaining exposure to the token.

What Analysts Are Watching

Analysts are closely monitoring how regulatory changes and market conditions will affect institutional adoption of crypto. Morgan Stanley's chief equity strategist, Michael Wilson, highlighted the potential for multiple expansion in 2026, driven by earnings growth, de-regulation, and accommodative monetary policy.

Bitcoin options traders are also watching for a potential push toward $100,000, particularly after the market closed the previous year with a sharp decline. The approval of the ETFs could increase volatility in the short term, but also provide a more structured way for investors to access the market.

The broader financial industry is showing increased interest in crypto, with several U.S. banks recently allowing advisors to recommend digital assets to clients. This trend could continue in 2026 as regulatory clarity improves and investor demand grows.