An investment unit under Morgan Stanley is exploring a stake in bitcoin, according to Bloomberg.
Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s Counterpoint Global, a $150 billion investing unit, was looking into whether the cryptocurrency would be a “suitable option for its investors,” Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The investment would require regulatory approval, the report added.
Were it to occur, the investment by Counterpoint Global would be one of several high-profile moves into cryptocurrency from well-established companies, banks, and investment firms. Bank of New York Mellon, the country’s oldest financial institution, planned to offer bitcoin transactions, according to The Wall Street Journal. Mastercard on Thursday said it would allow merchants to accept select cryptocurrencies.