Crypto startup Zerohash raises $104 million from Morgan Stanley, SoFi, Apollo and others

Core Insights - Zerohash, a crypto infrastructure startup, has successfully raised $104 million in funding, achieving a valuation of $1 billion, with participation from notable financial firms such as Morgan Stanley and SoFi [1][2][4] Funding and Valuation - The Series D funding round was led by Interactive Brokers, a global automated trading firm, and included investments from funds managed by Apollo [1][2] - The funding aims to accelerate the adoption of blockchain-based products in crypto trading, stablecoins, and tokenization [4] Regulatory Environment - The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies has shifted positively under President Donald Trump, moving from skepticism to a more favorable stance, encouraging financial firms to engage with crypto [3][4] - This change has prompted major financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, to express interest in cryptocurrency involvement [3] Company Operations - Founded in 2017, Zerohash provides banks and fintech firms with the capability to offer blockchain-based products, focusing on three main areas: crypto trading, stablecoins, and tokenization [4] - Interactive Brokers is already utilizing Zerohash for crypto trading and custody, and plans to launch a stablecoin product in collaboration with the firm [4] Future Announcements - While specific details about Morgan Stanley and SoFi's client status were not disclosed, the CEO of Zerohash indicated that announcements regarding these partnerships are forthcoming [5]