E-Trade Eyes Crypto Trading Amid Regulatory Shifts

• E-trade might initiate crypto trading but only after approval from the authorities.
• Mostly trade with regulated cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase and BitGo that recently launched brand new crypto services for their retail users.

E-Trade is reportedly considering the move, anticipating that the regulatory environment for crypto will become more favourable under President-elect Donald Trump, according to unnamed sources. 

The report explains that because Morgan Stanley is a bank holding company, it’s under the Federal Reserve’s jurisdiction. Thus, if the trading platform E-Trade wishes to incorporate cryptocurrency trading, it must get an approval from the Fed and other regulatory authorities.

On that same date it was revealed that ETF companies submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission above a dozen filings for approval to launch cryptocurrency-focused ETFs in 2025.

In December, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase upgraded its Coinbase One subscription program, introducing a new tier called Coinbase One Premium. The company claims these updates make Coinbase One beneficial for all types of traders.

The new Coinbase One Premium tier provides members worldwide with unlimited zero trading fees, unlimited boosted USDC rewards, 25% back on an unlimited amount of Coinbase Advance spot fees, $250,000 worth of coverage for unauthorised account access, free gas on Base, exclusive partner benefits, and exclusive access to the company’s concierge desk.

In December, BitGo, a digital asset solutions provider, launched a dedicated retail platform, aiming to give retail customers access to its digital asset trading, staking, wallets, and qualified custody services.

“Retail investors need a security-first, crypto-native platform, and we are excited to serve as that trusted partner,” BitGo CEO Mike Belshe said in a press release on Dec 2. “We look forward to enhancing the retail investing, trading, storage, and staking experience for investors around the world.”