Morgan Stanley prepares to launch cryptocurrency trading: a signal for iGaming
Wall Street giant Morgan Stanley has confirmed plans to offer cryptocurrency trading on its E*Trade platform in collaboration with infrastructure provider Zerohash. This decision is linked to the success of event-driven trading platforms such as Robinhood.
The bank is expected to launch cryptocurrency trading in the first half of 2026. The partnership with Zerohash also includes plans to introduce crypto wallet management services, which will strengthen the bank’s position in the digital asset segment and accelerate the institutionalisation of cryptocurrencies.
Preparing traditional financial structures to enter a new market
Morgan Stanley is among the traditional financial companies seeking to strengthen their position in the cryptocurrency space. For example, Cantor Fitzgerald, led by Howard Luttin, the current US Secretary of Commerce, is already implementing cryptocurrency operations.
According to the Financial Times, JPMorgan is considering introducing cryptocurrency-backed loans as early as 2026. Other competing banks, such as Bank of America and Citibank, are developing their own stablecoins and advocating for more precise federal regulation in the US. In January of this year, Morgan Stanley CEO and Chairman Ted Pick told CNBC that the company is also working with regulators to offer cryptocurrency services legally.
Last year, the bank allowed its financial advisors to promote spot Bitcoin ETFs to clients, and in 2021, it offered priority clients access to Bitcoin investment funds. According to Jed Finn, head of Morgan Stanley’s asset management division, the underlying blockchain technology has proven its effectiveness, and the infrastructure based on it “is here to stay.” Finn emphasised that clients should have access to traditional assets and cryptocurrencies within the unified ecosystem they are accustomed to.
In addition, Morgan Stanley participated in a Series D venture financing round for Hashdex. The global investment company, which specialises in digital assets and cryptocurrency indices, received $104 million from the bank, with total investments amounting to $275 million.
Partnership with Zerohash
Morgan Stanley is teaming up with crypto infrastructure company Zerohash to give customers of its online brokerage platform E*Trade access to trading Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana. According to Decrypt, the collaboration will allow the bank to offer cryptocurrency instruments, expanding its range of financial services.
Zerohash CEO Edward Woodford noted that Morgan Stanley’s strategic stake in the company underscores the importance of cryptocurrency and stablecoin infrastructure. “This is an important step toward bringing digital asset technologies into the mainstream. We are proud to unlock its potential for institutions and their clients around the world,” he said.
Zerohash CFO Adam Berg noted growing interest from major banks. “Every financial institution is looking to provide access to crypto assets and scale blockchain-based innovation. Many executives are already dedicating more than 50% of their time to developing blockchain initiatives,” Berg said.
Robinhood’s success in crypto trading
In the second quarter of this year, the Robinhood trading platform generated $160 million in revenue from cryptocurrency trading. This figure exceeded 2024 revenue by 98%, despite opposition from the US president.
In addition to the prediction market, the company is actively expanding its cryptocurrency business. Its services are now available in 30 European countries and in legitimate US markets. In addition, it has launched sales of stock tokens for more than 200 US companies and ETFs on the European market.
New acquisitions played an essential role in Robinhood’s strong second-quarter results. In June, the company completed the purchase of the Bitstamp cryptocurrency exchange with 50 active licenses and registrations. In the near future, it plans to acquire Canadian digital asset provider WonderFi.
An important signal for the iGaming industry
That could be an important signal for the iGaming industry. The participation of brands such as Morgan Stanley in the crypto sector strengthens confidence, especially in regulated markets. It also expands the audience: access to digital assets through reputable brokerage platforms makes cryptocurrency more familiar to the general public, including online casino players.
In addition, partnerships with infrastructure providers such as Zerohash may motivate operators to implement cryptocurrency in accordance with MiCA requirements and other regulations. Robinhood’s success in trading event contracts may inspire developers to create new hybrid products.
Overall, the institutionalisation of cryptocurrency opens up new opportunities for iGaming: from increasing the legitimacy of crypto payments to developing new content formats geared toward the digital economy.
This article was first published in Russian on 25 September 2025.
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