Morgan Stanley Opens Direct Bitcoin Trading on E-TRADE for Everyday Retail Investors
Key Insights:
- Morgan Stanley partners with Zerohash to provide direct Bitcoin trading within standard brokerage accounts.
- Retail investors can buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin alongside stocks and bonds in E*TRADE accounts.
- Future services include Bitcoin lending, yield products, and full in-house custody for all clients.

Morgan Stanley is preparing to open direct Bitcoin trading to retail investors through E*TRADE in early 2026. The move marks a shift in how large banks offer crypto access. The firm plans to provide spot Bitcoin trading within standard brokerage accounts.
Morgan Stanley to Launch Spot Bitcoin Trading on E*TRADE
Morgan Stanley will roll out direct spot Bitcoin trading through its E*TRADE platform. According to CryptosRus The service is set to begin in early 2026. The bank will partner with Zerohash to support trading and custody operations.
Retail investors will be able to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin directly. They will access Bitcoin in the same accounts used for stocks and bonds. The offering moves beyond Bitcoin exchange-traded funds.
The company manages trillions of dollars in assets worldwide. It has already provided limited crypto access to high-net-worth clients. The broader launch will extend access to everyday investors.
Expanded Bitcoin Services Including Lending and Custody
Morgan Stanley plans to add more Bitcoin-related services over time. These include Bitcoin lending and yield products. The firm also aims to develop full in-house custody solutions.
According to recent updates, some wealth management clients already received early access, as the company stated that it wants to offer “direct access to digital assets within trusted brokerage accounts”. The expansion will cover more client segments after launch.
The partnership with Zerohash will help manage trade execution and compliance. The bank will integrate the service into existing systems. Clients will not need separate crypto exchange accounts.
Bitcoin Price Activity and Market Context
The live Bitcoin price stands at $66,132, with a 24-hour trading volume of $43.370B. Bitcoin is down 3.00% over the past 24 hours.
Market participants continue to monitor institutional adoption of Bitcoin as large financial firms have increased crypto offerings since spot Bitcoin ETFs launched. Morgan Stanley’s move adds another major bank to this trend.
CryptosRus notes that “mainstream finance is integrating Bitcoin into core platforms”. Direct trading access may increase exposure among retail investors, with the full rollout expected in 2026.
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