Morgan Stanley, Zerohash to Launch Crypto Trading for ETrade Clients

Core Insights - Morgan Stanley has partnered with Zerohash to allow E*TRADE clients to trade popular cryptocurrencies starting in the first half of 2026 [1][7] - Initial offerings will include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, with plans for a comprehensive wallet solution in the future [2][7] - The firm is developing an asset-allocation strategy for cryptocurrencies, with portfolio weights varying based on client objectives [3] Company Strategy - Morgan Stanley aims to integrate digitized assets, traditional assets, and cryptocurrencies into a unified ecosystem for clients [4] - The initiative is expected to enhance revenue through trading spreads, advisory fees, and future services like custody and tokenization [4][7] - The firm recognizes the opportunity to simplify the user experience for clients navigating the traditional finance and decentralized finance divide [4] Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Robinhood and Charles Schwab are also expanding their cryptocurrency offerings, with Robinhood generating significant revenue from its crypto business [5] - Schwab plans to introduce spot cryptocurrency trading by next year, indicating a competitive environment for Morgan Stanley [5] Performance Metrics - Over the past six months, Morgan Stanley's shares have increased by 28.4%, outperforming the industry growth of 26.1% [6]