- Morgan Stanley registers Solana and Bitcoin ETFs, highlighting market interest.
- First direct spot crypto ETFs by Morgan Stanley.
- Potential impact on institutional crypto adoption and Solana's market cap.
On January 6, 2026, Morgan Stanley filed for Solana and Bitcoin spot ETFs with the SEC, marking its first directly branded crypto ETFs.
The announcement underscores growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, with potential impacts on Solana and Bitcoin markets amid increasing regulatory ease for crypto asset management.
Morgan Stanley, a major financial institution, filed with the SEC to launch spot ETFs tracking Solana and Bitcoin. The registration occurred on January 6, 2026, marking a notable interest in cryptocurrencies by a global wealth manager.
The firm, managing $6.4 trillion, seeks to introduce the Morgan Stanley Solana Trust and Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust. These filings are their first for crypto ETFs and include staking for the Solana Trust.
The announcement impacts Solana (SOL) and Bitcoin (BTC), both aiming to provide direct market participation. Current ETFs have seen substantial net inflows, but no immediate changes in Solana's liquidity or staking.
Potential regulatory and market implications emerge with this filing, as Solana ETF assets reach over $1 billion. The filing follows changes allowing crypto ETFs recommendations to Morgan Stanley's clients.
Historically, regulatory shifts have enabled firms like BlackRock and Fidelity to engage in crypto ETFs. The SEC's approval of generic standards has eased such entries without individual scrutiny.
"Institutional investors are charging at crypto full-speed and see it as a key business priority," said Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management. Major impacts could include increased institutional investment in cryptocurrencies, aligning with broader regulatory easing under the Trump administration. This strategic move might further enhance crypto legitimacy and market diversity.