NewsBTC
Jan 8, 2026
3 0

Morgan Stanley Files for Bitcoin, Solana ETFs Signaling Crypto Adoption Shift

Morgan Stanley has filed for spot Bitcoin and Solana ETFs, surprising many in the ETF industry.

  • This move signals a strong adoption of crypto, despite existing market leaders already securing liquidity.
  • The timing and branding under the 'Morgan Stanley' name are noteworthy as it is rare for them to launch ETFs directly under their own brand.
  • Jeff Park from Bitwise highlights that Morgan Stanley's entry indicates the total addressable crypto market is larger than anticipated, targeting new customers.

Implications for Bitcoin

  • The filing suggests potential untapped interest in Bitcoin, even with IBIT reaching $80 billion in AUM quickly.
  • Morgan Stanley's shift from cautious access to ownership marks a change in institutional platforms' stance on crypto.
  • Bitcoin is positioned as both a financially and socially significant product, unlike traditional gold ETFs.
  • A branded Bitcoin ETF serves as a credibility marker for Morgan Stanley, appealing to UHNW Independent Investors.
  • Strategically, it's a defensive move against platform disintermediation, ensuring advisors don't default to third-party products.
  • The decision underscores Morgan Stanley's acknowledgment that distribution channels hold more power than product superiority.

Approval for the ETFs could take at least 75 days, though this timeline may vary. At the time of writing, Bitcoin traded at $91,256.