What happened?
Morgan Stanley confirmed it will integrate direct Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana trading to its E*Trade platform by way of crypto infrastructural provider Zerohash in late 2026. This progress comes alongside BlackRock’s burgeoning ETF business, which is now generating $260 million annually from Bitcoin and Ether, anchoring crypto in traditional finance portfolios. Additionally, SEC Chair Paul Atkins proposed an “innovation exemption” for cryptocurrency under Project Crypto to reduce regulatory friction and revise securities laws.
Who does this affect?
These advancements primarily impact crypto investors and users of Morgan Stanley’s E*Trade platform who can now directly trade Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana. It also affects other financial institutions like Charles Schwab and Robinhood, inducing competition in the offer of crypto-related products. Furthermore, BlackRock’s success influences the perception of cryptocurrencies turning them into scalable, profitable assets instead of speculative entities.
Why does this matter?
This matters because the developments highlight a growing integration of digital assets into mainstream finance. With Wall Street’s increased involvement in crypto, a new level of legitimacy is brought into the space, potentially attracting more institutional investments. The proposed changes by the SEC would further streamline the implementation of blockchain technology, fostering innovation and potentially making the US a global leader in digital asset innovation.