Morgan Stanley becomes the first major U.S. bank to offer its wealthy clients access to Bitcoin funds. The Bitcoin rally over the past year has seemingly put pressure on Wall Street to consider diversification into the emerging asset class.
In an internal memo on Wednesday, the investment bank told its financial advisors about this development. As such, access to three different funds will allow for investments in the Cryptocurrency. The significant step for the adoption of Bitcoin as an asset class was made by Morgan Stanley after clients demanded the investment opportunities. At least, that's what insiders who shared details with CNBC about the bank's internal communications claim.
Three Bitcoin funds
Two of the funds on offer are from Galaxy Digital, a Crypto firm founded by Mike Novogratz. The third is a joint project between asset manager FS Investments and Bitcoin firm NYDIG.
For the Galaxy Bitcoin Fund LP and FS NYDIG Select Fund, the minimum investment is $25,000, while the Galaxy Institutional Bitcoin Fund LP requires a minimum investment about of $5 million. Customers will likely be able to make investments as early as next month. According to an insider, the bank's financial advisors will undergo training on the new offerings.
Restrictions
According to CNBC, the wealth management firm, with $4 trillion in client assets, is only offering its wealthier clients access to the volatile asset: The bank considers it suitable for people with an "aggressive risk tolerance," and at least $2 million in assets with the firm.
Investment firms need at least $5 million with the bank to qualify for the new offering. In any case, accounts must be at least 6 months old. Even accredited U.S. investors with brokerage accounts must qualify. Morgan Stanley limits Bitcoin investments to a maximum of 2.5% of their total net assets in the process.
