Morgan Stanley’s Bitcoin ETF signals major institutional demand, Bitwise advisor says

Morgan Stanley’s decision to launch its own Bitcoin ETF is a major bullish signal for the crypto market, highlighting untapped investor demand and shifting institutional dynamics, according to Bitwise advisor Jeff Park.

The investment bank filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to seek approval to launch exchange-traded funds linked to cryptocurrency prices.

On X, Park outlined three key reasons why this move reinforces his bullish outlook. First, the market is far larger than anticipated: even two years after the first ETF launch, Morgan Stanley sees enough demand through its proprietary wealth channels to justify a branded product.

“It means we are still so early,” Park said.

Second, Bitcoin’s social importance amplifies the move. Unlike gold, where branded ETFs are rare, offering a Bitcoin ETF communicates forward-thinking credibility, helping attract ultra-high-net-worth independent investors and top talent.

Park noted that even if the ETF doesn’t scale to blockbuster success, it strengthens Morgan Stanley’s brand and advisory clout.

Third, the launch reflects defensive platform strategy. By creating its own ETF rather than relying on third parties, Morgan Stanley retains distribution control and prevents fee leakage.

Distribution owns the customer, not product superiority, Park explained, framing the launch as inevitable from a platform economics perspective.

Taken together, Park sees the ETF as confirming a larger total addressable market, enhancing Bitcoin’s social and institutional relevance, and fortifying proprietary distribution advantages.

He added that Bitwise, which leads U.S. crypto index ETFs and Solana ETFs while offering integrated staking and custom strategies, is uniquely positioned to benefit from the shift.