Global investment bank and one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, Morgan Stanley, has taken a major step toward expanding its cryptocurrency business, filing for a national trust bank charter that would let it hold, trade and support digital assets for clients.

According to a public filing with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the firm submitted its application in February 2026 under a proposed new subsidiary called Morgan Stanley Digital Trust, National Association. If approved, the charter would allow the unit to legally

• custody crypto assets,
• manage safekeeping on behalf of investors, and
• facilitate related trading and transfer activities including…