Morgan Stanley has launched spot cryptocurrency trading on its E*TRADE platform, allowing eligible clients to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana directly within their existing brokerage accounts. The move marks one of the most significant integrations of digital assets into a traditional wealth management platform.
Eligible E*TRADE clients can now trade the three cryptocurrencies through Zero Hash, a crypto infrastructure provider, at a fee of 0.5 percent per transaction. The integration means users do not need to open separate exchange accounts or manage additional wallets, as their crypto holdings appear alongside their stocks, bonds, and other investments.
The launch represents a major step in the convergence of traditional finance and cryptocurrency markets. Morgan Stanley, one of the largest wealth managers in the United States with over $6 trillion in client assets, had previously offered Bitcoin exposure through spot ETFs but had not enabled direct cryptocurrency trading for retail clients through E*TRADE.
The decision to offer Solana alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum is notable, as it signals institutional recognition of Solana as a major blockchain platform beyond the two largest cryptocurrencies. Most traditional financial products have focused exclusively on Bitcoin and Ethereum, with Solana representing a newer entrant to regulated investment offerings.
Other major banks and brokerages have been expanding their crypto services. Bank of America recently appointed new leadership for its digital assets platform, and several other wealth managers have begun offering spot crypto trading or ETF-based crypto exposure to their clients.
This article was adapted from Unchained. Read the original here.
