Wall Street Heavyweight Morgan Stanley Files for Bitcoin and Solana ETFs

Morgan Stanley has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a spot Bitcoin ETF, seeking approval for the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust. The filing was submitted on Jan. 6, 2026.

The proposed fund will directly hold Bitcoin and track its spot price using data from major exchanges. It will not use derivatives or leverage and will operate as a passive investment vehicle.

The firm also filed for a Solana ETF, the Morgan Stanley Solana Trust, which will mirror the performance of the Solana token. Unlike the Bitcoin ETF, this fund will incorporate staking to generate yield for investors according to reports.

Why Did This Happen?

The filings come as institutional demand for crypto investment vehicles increases. Morgan Stanley aims to offer clients direct exposure to digital assets through regulated products, aligning with broader industry trends.

The move follows recent regulatory clarity, including approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. over the past two years. With the crypto market expanding, traditional financial firms are increasingly entering the space to meet client demand.

Morgan Stanley also expanded its crypto access to all client accounts in October 2025, including retirement investors. This shift reflects a broader strategy to integrate digital assets into portfolio offerings.

How Might the Market React?

Spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen significant inflows since their launch, with $123 billion in assets under management as of Jan. 2026.

The Solana ETF filing comes amid growing institutional interest in the token. Spot Solana ETFs recorded $16 million in inflows on Jan. 6, the highest single-day amount since mid-December.

If approved, the new ETFs could bring additional liquidity to Bitcoin and Solana. With Morgan Stanley managing over $1.8 trillion in assets, the firm's entry could attract a wide range of investors, including those through its wealth management division according to analysis.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are watching the SEC's response to these filings. The regulator has recently streamlined the approval process for crypto-linked ETFs, signaling a more favorable regulatory environment.

Market observers are also looking at the potential impact on Bitcoin and Solana prices. With growing institutional participation, price volatility may decrease over time as more investors access these tokens through regulated products.

The next phase of growth may depend on how quickly Morgan Stanley and other firms secure approval for their funds. The broader market will likely continue to adjust as traditional financial institutions expand their presence in the crypto space.