Morgan Stanley Gives Green Light to Bitcoin ETFs for 15,000 Advisers
Morgan Stanley, the largest wealth management firm in the U.S., has given its 15,000 financial advisers the green light to start recommending Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to clients as of August 7. This move aligns with an earlier CNBC report on the firm's plans.
Initially, Morgan Stanley is focusing on two Bitcoin ETFs: BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC).
Morgan Stanley’s endorsement is a significant development for the cryptocurrency sector. As the largest wirehouse, with approximately $3.75 trillion in assets under management—including $1 trillion in self-directed accounts—its support could boost the acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs.
Both the BlackRock and Fidelity Bitcoin ETFs are gaining traction not only among large advisory firms like Morgan Stanley but also with independent financial advisers. Roxanna Islam of VettaFi highlighted the growing interest in these products across various client types.
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Matt Horne from Fidelity Investments noted strong demand for these crypto ETFs since their launch, reflecting the asset class’s increasing appeal among retail investors, registered investment advisers (RIAs), and institutional clients.
This adoption by major advisory platforms could potentially lead to a rise in investments in Bitcoin ETFs. Historically, major advisory firms have been cautious about embracing such products, with significant investments previously coming from independent advisors.