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Morgan Stanley’s crypto ETF move – and the risk of getting ‘institutional crypto’ wrong

  • Morgan Stanley plans to launch a spot Bitcoin ETF alongside Solana and Ethereum ETFs that bake in staking as a source of incremental yield.
  • The move reflects institutional confidence that blockchain networks can generate yield within compliant structures. That confidence, however, comes with its risks.
Sara Khairi | January 21, 2026
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Morgan Stanley’s crypto ETF move – and the risk of getting ‘institutional crypto’ wrong

    The next phase of bank innovation
    For years, Wall Street’s approach to crypto followed a familiar script: offer access, avoid ownership, and keep product risk at arm’s length. Large banks distributed crypto-linked funds, approved selective exposure for wealthy clients, and built infrastructure, while refraining from issuing products themselves.

    Morgan Stanley’s early‑year filings signal a notable shift in that posture. 

    The bank plans to launch a spot Bitcoin ETF, a Solana ETF with staking exposure, as well as an Ethereum Trust offering staking rewards to investors for potential extra yield.

    The question attached to Morgan Stanley’s recent move

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