U.S. bank submits SEC registrations, expanding institutional access to spot crypto products
NEW YORK | January 6, 2026 — Morgan Stanley has filed registration statements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission seeking approval to launch exchange-traded funds linked to Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana, according to filings submitted earlier today.
The move places one of Wall Street’s largest wealth and investment managers directly into the growing market for regulated spot cryptocurrency products, a segment that has increasingly drawn institutional participation over the past year.
The filings, submitted under the SEC’s Securities Act framework, outline proposed spot exposure to the three digital assets. The documents did not include a launch timeline and remain subject to regulatory review.
Morgan Stanley submitted same-day SEC registration filings for spot Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana ETFs, marking a significant institutional expansion into regulated crypto investment vehicles and influencing positioning across global markets.
Market participants said the filings were closely monitored across U.S. and European trading desks, given Morgan Stanley’s role as a major intermediary for institutional and high-net-worth capital. While spot prices showed limited immediate reaction, activity in listed crypto products increased during U.S. trading hours.
In Europe, trading desks reported higher engagement with U.S.-listed crypto ETFs during the London session, as asset managers assessed the implications of additional large-bank participation in the sector.
Asian market participants described the development as structurally relevant, noting that major U.S. bank filings often shape global sentiment even before regulatory outcomes are known.
Data reviewed by this publication shows increased turnover in U.S.-listed crypto ETFs during the U.S. session, alongside steady futures open interest across major venues, reflecting positioning adjustments rather than directional price moves.
Bitcoin and Ethereum continued to trade within recent ranges through the session, while Solana-linked instruments drew attention following its inclusion in the filings. Traders said Solana’s appearance alongside the two largest cryptocurrencies underscored growing institutional comfort with select large-cap altcoins.
Funds in London and New York said the filings prompted internal reviews of existing crypto exposure structures, particularly where mandates favor regulated products over direct holdings.
Market participants pointed to incremental portfolio adjustments by asset managers and multi-asset funds, with some favoring ETF-based exposure following the filing while maintaining neutral short-term price positioning.
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The SEC has not commented on the filings. Regulatory review of spot crypto ETFs has remained a focal point for markets, as approvals or rejections have historically influenced liquidity conditions and institutional participation.
Analysts in New York said Morgan Stanley’s entry reflects continued normalization of digital assets within traditional financial infrastructure, even as regulatory scrutiny remains active.
Traders in Singapore and Hong Kong noted that developments involving U.S. regulators and large financial institutions often set the tone for regional market engagement, regardless of immediate price impact.
The filings add to a growing list of applications by major financial firms seeking regulated crypto exposure, reinforcing the role of ETFs as a primary access point for institutional capital.
The market response remained measured by the close of U.S. trading, with participants awaiting further regulatory signals.
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Global Markets Desk | DECODE THE CRYPTO
covers global crypto markets, regulation, and institutional trends.