Crypto ETF Advisor Adoption Still 'Very Early,' Says Morgan Stanley

Oldenburg said approximately 80% of crypto ETF activity on the Morgan Stanley platform comes from self-directed investors.

Crypto ETF News

Financial advisors are still in the early stages of adding crypto ETFs to client portfolios, according to Morgan Stanley's head of digital asset strategy. Amy Oldenburg made the comment Tuesday during a panel at the DC Blockchain Summit in Washington, D.C.

Oldenburg said approximately 80% of crypto ETF activity on the Morgan Stanley platform comes from self-directed investors. That share reflects how little of the demand is currently advisor-driven. "We really have to do more work to understand with financial advisors how that fits into asset allocation models going forward," she said.

Morgan Stanley started allowing Bitcoin ETF purchases in brokerage accounts in 2024. The firm has expanded access gradually since then. In January, it filed to list spot

and

exchange-traded funds.

Morgan Stanley's global investment committee recommended allocations of up to 4% in model portfolios last year. Bank of America has suggested a similar range of 1% to 4%. BlackRock and Fidelity have also issued guidance within comparable bands.

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan said some professional investors are now considering allocations closer to 5%. That figure marks a shift from earlier recommendations that hovered near 1%. U.S. spot Bitcoin and