Morgan Stanley will open access to crypto funds to all client accounts, including retirement plans, starting Oct. 15, CNBC reported Friday. The move removes a previously set asset barrier for investors seeking digital-asset exposure. Until now, only clients with at least $1.5 million in assets and an aggressive risk profile could add bitcoin or ether funds, and that could only be done through a taxable brokerage account. Advisors are expected to soon be able to recommend crypto vehicles from issuers like BlackRock and Fidelity to a broader client base, according to CNBC sources.

Morgan Stanley to open crypto access to all client accounts, including retirement plans: CNBC.
October 10, 2025, 20:23 GMT+6.2 minutes read
Morgan Stanley to open access to crypto funds to all client accounts starting Oct.
The move removes a previously set asset barrier for investors seeking digital-asset exposure. Advisors will soon be able to recommend crypto vehicles from issuers like BlackRock and Fidelity to a broader client base, according to CNBC sources.
Since receiving U.S. approval in 2024, spot bitcoin and ether ETFs have collectively raised $77 billion, according to data from The Block ETF, a market that most Morgan Stanley clients had been effectively shut out of until now. The changes come as Washington, D.C. eases restrictions on alternative assets in retirement portfolios. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August directing the Department of Labor and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to make it easier to include crypto, gold and private equity in 401(k) plans.
Morgan Stanley, the $8.2 trillion asset manager, is also revealing internal railings for asset ladders.