Imagine buying Bitcoin or Ethereum just like you buy stocks on your regular trading app. That’s exactly what Morgan Stanley wants to make possible. This big U.S. bank is working on a plan that could let everyday people trade real cryptocurrencies through its E*Trade platform.
So, what’s happening? Let’s break it down.
Morgan Stanley’s Big Crypto Plan
Morgan Stanley is planning to let users buy and sell real cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether directly on its E*Trade platform. Until now, Morgan Stanley only offered crypto-related products like ETFs and futures to its wealthier clients. But the goal is to open it up to regular users next year.
Instead of giving people crypto exposure, it wants to give them the real thing, actual coins like Bitcoin and Ether.
The bank is still building the system and may partner with one or more crypto companies to make this happen. Once it’s ready, people will be able to trade crypto the same way they trade stocks, easily and in one place.
Why Now? What’s Changed?
This shift didn’t happen overnight, it follows a massive change in U.S. crypto policy under President Donald Trump. His administration issued executive orders to support digital assets, rolled back harsh regulations, and sent a clear message: crypto is welcome in the U.S. economy.
Regulatory bodies like the SEC, Fed, and FDIC also eased their stance, making it easier for banks to work with crypto firms. These changes have encouraged big banks, once afraid of crypto risks, to start exploring the space again.
The Crypto Race Is Heating Up
Morgan Stanley isn’t the only one jumping in. Robinhood, Coinbase, and even Charles Schwab are all competing for crypto users. With a trusted name and strong security, Morgan Stanley might attract people who were unsure about crypto before.
And they’re not alone. Charles Schwab and SoFi are also eyeing crypto offerings, signaling that traditional finance is finally embracing the digital asset world.
If Morgan Stanley gets it right, it could mark the start of a new chapter, where crypto isn’t just for early adopters, but for everyone.
