-
Starting Oct. 15, Morgan Stanley will allow all clients, including retirement accounts, to invest in crypto funds.
-
The move removes wealth and risk-profile restrictions that had previously limited access.
-
The change follows Trump’s August executive order easing rules on alternative assets in 401(k) plans.
Crypto Access for Every Investor
Morgan Stanley will expand crypto access across its $8.2 trillion wealth management network, CNBC reported. Starting next week, all clients — including those with retirement accounts — will be able to invest in bitcoin and ether funds from issuers such as BlackRock and Fidelity.
Until now, only clients with at least $1.5 million in assets and an “aggressive” risk profile could participate, and only through taxable brokerage accounts. The policy shift opens crypto exposure to millions of new investors.
Regulatory Shift in Washington
The change follows President Trump’s August executive order directing regulators to make it easier for 401(k) plans to include crypto, gold, and private equity. While the order didn’t immediately change laws, it rescinded earlier guidance that discouraged crypto in retirement plans and set a 180-day timeline for formal rule updates.
Guidance on Allocations
Morgan Stanley’s investment committee recently suggested crypto allocations of up to 4% in its model portfolios, depending on risk tolerance. The firm described the asset class as “speculative and increasingly popular,” but emphasized disciplined rebalancing to avoid concentration risk.
