Morgan Stanley Expands Cryptocurrency Access to All Clients, Including Retirement Accounts

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How has Morgan Stanley changed its stance on cryptocurrency investments recently?

Can retirement plans now include cryptocurrency investments through Morgan Stanley?

What does Morgan Stanley's move mean for the future of cryptocurrency in traditional finance?

Morgan Stanley Expands Cryptocurrency Access to All Clients, Including Retirement Accounts — Image source: Unblock Media

A major policy shift removes the $1.5M wealth hurdle for crypto investments.
U.S. regulatory updates enable broader access to cryptocurrencies in retirement plans.

On Oct. 10, 2025, TradingView reported that Morgan Stanley will open access to cryptocurrency funds for all clients, including those with retirement accounts, starting Oct. 15. This policy change removes previous restrictions limiting crypto investments to high-net-worth individuals with at least $1.5 million in assets and taxable brokerage accounts.

This decision follows the latest U.S. regulatory developments regarding alternative assets in retirement plans. On Aug. 7, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of Labor (DOL) and other federal agencies to promote the inclusion of assets like cryptocurrency and private equity in 401(k) plans. The order encouraged revised guidance to allow fiduciaries greater flexibility in evaluating such assets.

On May 28, 2025, the Department of Labor rescinded a 2022 advisory that had urged fiduciaries to exercise "extreme care" when incorporating cryptocurrencies into retirement plan offerings. Instead, the updated guidance now adopts a neutral stance—offering neither endorsement nor discouragement of cryptocurrency investments. This change is intended to help reduce legal barriers for plan sponsors while expanding investment options.

Morgan Stanley, which manages over $8 trillion in assets, has introduced internal guidelines to oversee these investments. The bank’s Global Investment Committee has recommended capping exposure to cryptocurrencies at 4% within certain model portfolios, depending on individual risk profiles. These guidelines aim to balance the unique risks and volatility associated with crypto assets while facilitating wider access to the digital asset market.

As of Oct. 10, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) traded at $120,489.81, reflecting a 0.776% drop in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum (ETH) stood at $4,274.41 with a 1.738% decline, according to market data. The adjustments reflect current market dynamics but serve as a reminder of the volatility investors may encounter when engaging with cryptocurrencies.