Morgan Stanley E*TRADE adds spot crypto trading Zero Hash

Morgan Stanley's ETRADE brokerage platform has launched spot cryptocurrency trading for eligible self-directed clients, allowing them to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana directly through their accounts. The service, which became available on July 16, 2026, integrates digital asset holdings alongside traditional stocks and ETFs within the ETRADE interface.

The rollout is powered by a partnership with crypto infrastructure provider Zero Hash, which handles custody and transaction services through separate accounts. Trades carry a fee of 50 basis points. A key distinction for clients is that digital asset holdings through this structure are not covered by FDIC insurance or Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) protections. The firm stated it expects to later transition these services to Morgan Stanley Digital Trust, a national trust bank currently in organization.

This launch follows a pilot program that began in May 2026. While trading is now live, the functionality to transfer cryptocurrencies on and off the ETRADE platform is expected to be introduced later this year. The self-directed channel serves 8.6 million households and held approximately...