Morgan Stanley’s E-Trade to Enter Crypto Market Pending Regulatory Approval

Morgan Stanley’s E-Trade is reportedly preparing to introduce cryptocurrency trading, signaling the firm’s growing interest in digital assets.
According to The Information, this move aligns with expectations of a more favorable regulatory environment under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Before launching, however, E-Trade will require approval from key regulators, including the Federal Reserve, due to Morgan Stanley’s status as a bank holding company.
E-Trade, acquired by Morgan Stanley in 2020, oversees $360 billion in assets across 5.2 million accounts. Its entry into crypto trading could inject significant capital and credibility into the market, potentially attracting more institutional and retail investors. Similarly, Charles Schwab has expressed interest in crypto, with CEO Rick Wurster suggesting the firm could explore the space if regulations become more accommodating.
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If these financial giants receive regulatory approval, their involvement could reshape the competitive landscape, introducing traditional finance powerhouses into the crypto ecosystem and heightening competition for established players.
With Trump appointing crypto-friendly figures like Paul Atkins as SEC Chair, regulatory conditions appear set to evolve. This shift has heightened optimism within the industry, with expectations for executive orders facilitating banking access and new crypto-focused products, such as ETFs, hitting the market. Analysts anticipate these developments could significantly boost institutional participation and push the crypto sector toward greater mainstream adoption.