Morgan Stanley Seeks Spot Bitcoin ETF With 0.14% Fee in Bid to Gain Share

Morgan Stanley has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch a spot Bitcoin ETF priced at 0.14%, aiming to undercut competitors and capture market share in an increasingly crowded category. In an amended filing submitted in March 2026, the bank outlined plans for the fund under the ticker MSBT, positioning it against major issuers such as BlackRock and Fidelity. The 0.14% expense ratio would be the lowest among current spot Bitcoin ETF offerings. Grayscale's Bitcoin Mini Trust charges 0.15%, while BlackRock and Fidelity are set at 0.25%. The aggressive pricing is designed to appeal to both institutional and retail investors, where lower fees often translate into stronger inflows. Morgan Stanley could also lean on its distribution engine to accelerate adoption. The firm oversees $6.2 trillion in client assets and works with roughly 16,000 financial advisors. The filing describes a passive structure intended to track Bitcoin's price, without attempting to trade short-term market moves. Coinbase is listed as custodian and prime broker, while BNY Mellon will provide administration and transfer agency services. The New York Stock Exchange has already issued a listing notice for MSBT, setting the stage for trading once regulatory approval is secured. The ETF push comes as Morgan Stanley broadens its digital-asset footprint. The bank filed for Bitcoin and Solana ETFs in January 2026 and has applied for a national trust banking charter to support custody and trading. Amy Oldenburg, head of digital asset strategy, said the firm has been building the necessary infrastructure for years, noting that integrating blockchain systems requires significant technical changes within traditional banking frameworks. Morgan Stanley has also advised clients to consider allocating 2% to 4% of portfolios to crypto assets, including retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k) plans. The bank currently holds about $729 million in Bitcoin ETFs, including $667 million invested in BlackRock's fund.