Morgan Stanley Launches Bitcoin ETP

First US bank-affiliated asset manager to offer a cryptocurrency exchange-traded product.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:53pm

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Morgan Stanley Investment Management announced the launch of the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust, an exchange-traded product designed to track the performance of Bitcoin. The new Bitcoin ETP will trade on the NYSE Arca exchange under the ticker MSBT and carry a sponsor fee of 0.14%, currently the lowest among Bitcoin ETPs.

Why it matters

This move by Morgan Stanley, a major US bank, further legitimizes and expands institutional access to cryptocurrencies. As more traditional financial firms offer digital asset products, it signals growing mainstream adoption and investor demand for exposure to this emerging asset class.

The details

The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust will use Coinbase and BNY Mellon for digital asset custody services, with BNY Mellon also serving as the administrator and transfer agent. The ETP will track the CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark 4 p.m. New York settlement rate, which aggregates trading activity across major spot Bitcoin exchanges.

  • The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust launched on April 8, 2026.

The players

Morgan Stanley Investment Management

The asset management arm of Morgan Stanley, a major US bank, which is launching the new Bitcoin ETP.

Coinbase

A leading cryptocurrency exchange that will provide digital asset custody services for the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust.

BNY Mellon

A major financial services company that will provide digital asset custody, administration, and transfer agent services for the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust.

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What they’re saying

“MSBT is an example of how leveraging Morgan Stanley's collective strength and deep expertise across asset classes and market segments can add value for existing clients, unlock new investor opportunities and continue to pursue compelling and innovative investment ideas that solve investor challenges.”

— Ben Huneke, Head of Morgan Stanley Investment Management

What’s next

The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust will begin trading on the NYSE Arca exchange under the ticker MSBT.

The takeaway

Morgan Stanley's launch of a Bitcoin ETP represents a significant milestone in the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, as a major US bank-affiliated asset manager offers institutional investors a new way to gain exposure to the digital asset.