Morgan Stanley(US:MS) Benzinga·2026-01-07 18:13Core Insights - Morgan Stanley has filed for an Ethereum Trust with the SEC, marking its third crypto ETF filing in 48 hours after registering Bitcoin and Solana trusts [1][6]. Group 1: Ethereum Trust Details - The Morgan Stanley Ethereum Trust will be a passive investment vehicle that holds ether directly and values shares daily based on a pricing benchmark from major trading venues [2]. - The trust plans to stake a portion of its ETH holdings and distribute rewards to shareholders at least quarterly, subject to IRS guidance [2][3]. - This structure allows investors to earn staking yield while holding shares in a traditional brokerage account, with a staking program implemented to earn network rewards while managing liquidity for redemptions [3]. Group 2: Wall Street's Crypto Expansion - The filings come as regulators under President Trump have adopted a more accommodating approach to crypto markets, enabling traditional financial firms to expand ETF offerings tied to digital assets [4]. - Morgan Stanley has broadened access to crypto funds for all clients, including those with retirement accounts, after previously limiting exposure to high-net-worth individuals [4]. - The bank partnered with Zerohash to enable trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through its E*Trade platform, following similar moves by Bank of America [5]. Group 3: Industry Shift - Morgan Stanley's rapid filings for Bitcoin and Solana Trusts represent a significant shift for Wall Street, indicating a growing acceptance of digital assets [6][7]. - The simultaneous movement of major banks like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Bank of America into crypto ETFs signals a structural change in how Wall Street perceives digital assets [7].