Morgan Stanley to allow wealth advisors to pitch bitcoin ETFs to some clients: CNBC

Morgan Stanley has informed its financial advisors that it will soon allow them to offer spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to select clients, according to a CNBC report.

This move would be the first of its kind among major Wall Street banks. The report said that beginning August 7, Morgan Stanley will permit its financial advisors to solicit eligible clients to purchase shares of two spot bitcoin ETFs — BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund — according to sources familiar with internal policy decisions at the investment bank.

Morgan Stanley responding to client demand

The report added that Morgan Stanley made this decision in response to client demand, according to sources who requested anonymity.

However, the sources also said the bank will only allow clients with a net worth of at least $1.5 million to purchase these products. They must also have a strong risk tolerance and an interest in speculative investments. Additionally, investment in the two spot bitcoin ETFs will be limited to taxable brokerage accounts and is not available for retirement accounts.

The sources also mentioned that Morgan Stanley will monitor the development of client crypto holdings to ensure they do not become overly exposed to the asset class. The investment bank will be closely observing the progress of the newly approved spot Ethereum ETFs but has not yet committed to offering access to those products.