Morgan Stanley Set to Launch First Spot Bitcoin ETF From Major U.S. Bank

Morgan Stanley is preparing to launch the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust, the first spot bitcoin ETF issued by a top tier U.S. bank. The fund could start trading as early as Wednesday on NYSE Arca under the ticker MSBT, marking a milestone in institutional bitcoin adoption.

Key Features of the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust

The ETF will hold actual bitcoin, tracking the 4 PM NY Settlement Rate. Unlike leveraged or derivative-based funds, it will not actively trade to outperform bitcoin’s price movements. BNY and Coinbase Custody will handle bitcoin storage, providing secure, institutional-grade safekeeping.

The fund is launching with about $1 million in initial capital and 50,000 shares available for trading. Investors gain direct exposure to bitcoin without managing the cryptocurrency themselves.

A major advantage is cost: the trust charges a 0.14% annual fee, undercutting BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, which charges 0.25%, making it one of the most affordable bitcoin ETFs available.

Impact on Institutional Adoption and Market Trends

The launch reinforces Morgan Stanley’s broader push into digital assets. Earlier this year, the bank filed for spot Solana ETFs and plans to enable trading in bitcoin, ethereum, and Solana on ETrade through a partnership with Zero Hash.

Bloomberg’s ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas said on X;

Since the first 11 spot bitcoin ETFs launched in January 2024, these funds have collectively attracted more than $56 billion in net inflows, reflecting growing institutional demand. Spot ETFs have also contributed to stabilizing bitcoin volatility, with BTC’s implied volatility increasingly mirroring Wall Street indicators like the VIX.

Morgan Stanley’s ETF is expected to continue these trends, further mainstreaming bitcoin investment and strengthening the role of traditional financial institutions in the cryptocurrency market.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.