Morgan Stanley Explores Expanded Role in Cryptocurrency Markets

CEO Ted Pick announces plans to collaborate with U.S. regulators to assess the bank's potential role as a crypto transactor.

Morgan Stanley CEO Ted Pick revealed the bank's intent to work with the U.S. Treasury and regulators to explore safe ways to deepen its involvement in cryptocurrency markets.
The bank is evaluating whether it can act as a transactor in the crypto space while adhering to its obligations as a highly regulated financial institution.
Morgan Stanley has been a leader in crypto adoption, being the first major U.S. bank to offer Bitcoin funds to affluent clients and later leading the charge on Bitcoin ETFs.
Pick noted the resilience and maturation of Bitcoin, now trading above $100,000, and referred to the asset class potentially reaching 'escape velocity' in mainstream finance.
This move aligns with a broader trend among major banks, including Bank of America, expressing readiness to expand into crypto if regulatory frameworks evolve favorably.