US-based investment bank Morgan Stanley has taken a significant step in its digital asset strategy by applying to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) indexed to Bitcoin and Solana prices.
According to official filings made on Tuesday, the bank aims to strengthen its presence in the cryptocurrency market and offer institutional investors access through regulated products.
This move is considered one of the most notable institutional initiatives since the SEC approved the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US nearly two years ago. Morgan Stanley’s ETF plans, which include Bitcoin as well as Solana, demonstrate the bank’s desire to diversify its product offerings in the digital asset space. Solana is among the blockchain projects that stand out for their high transaction speeds and low costs.
According to experts, the regulatory clarity achieved during US President Donald Trump’s administration significantly changed how traditional financial institutions view crypto assets. Once considered solely speculative tools, cryptocurrencies are now being treated as an alternative investment class by major banks and asset managers. The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granting banks permission to act as intermediaries in crypto transactions in December is also cited as a factor accelerating this transformation.
A significant portion of investors prefer to invest in crypto assets through ETFs rather than holding them directly. ETFs offer advantages in terms of higher liquidity, custody security, and regulatory compliance.
Morgan Stanley’s move signals continued growth in institutional interest, while previous applications for crypto ETFs from major asset managers like T. Rowe Price confirm the trend across the sector.
*This is not investment advice.
