Morgan Stanley Launches Bitcoin ETP Through Investment Management Division

Morgan Stanley has introduced a Bitcoin-focused exchange-traded product (ETP) as part of its expanding activity in digital assets.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management said Wednesday it will be the first U.S. bank-affiliated asset manager to offer a cryptocurrency ETP, marking a step in its broader development of digital asset products.

The firm indicated the launch follows ongoing efforts to build out its digital asset capabilities, including appointing leadership dedicated to the space and expanding infrastructure across custody, trading, and product development.

The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust is designed to track Bitcoin’s performance using the CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark 4 p.m. New York settlement rate, which aggregates pricing data from multiple spot exchanges.

The product will trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker MSBT and carries a sponsor fee of 0.14%, which the firm said is the lowest among Bitcoin ETPs.

Coinbase and BNY will provide custody services for the fund’s digital assets, while BNY will also serve as administrator and transfer agent.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas described the launch as one of the most significant Bitcoin ETF debuts, projecting $5B in first-year AUM and $30M in day-one volume.

BIG BOY LAUNCH: Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF $MBST hits the market today, arguably biggest btc launch since they began. Here are our predictions: $5b in aum in first year and $30m in Day One volume. What do you think? Winner gets a QT and a feeling of pride. pic.twitter.com/iQKpFJ80mU
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) April 8, 2026

"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," Head of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Ben Huneke said.