TLDR

Morgan Stanley taps Amy Oldenburg to lead its digital asset strategy amid growing crypto interest.
Oldenburg’s new role comes after Morgan Stanley files for spot Bitcoin and Solana ETFs.
Morgan Stanley plans a digital wallet launch in 2026 as part of a crypto push.
Morgan Stanley expands its digital asset team with several new crypto-focused roles.

In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the digital asset space, Morgan Stanley has appointed Amy Oldenburg to lead its digital asset strategy. This new position reflects the firm’s increasing focus on crypto assets, a sector where large financial institutions are making significant strides. Oldenburg’s extensive experience within the firm is seen as a key asset as Morgan Stanley navigates the rapidly evolving crypto market.

JUST IN: MORGAN STANLEY OFFICIALLY HIRES A “HEAD OF DIGITAL ASSET STRATEGY” — BLOOMBERG

THIS IS A STEP FORWARD FOR BITCOIN & CRYPTO #Bitcoin #Crypto #DigitalAssets #Blockchain #MorganStanley #CryptoAdoption pic.twitter.com/G24vrrLvJR

— Crypto News Hunters (@CryptoNewsHntrs) January 28, 2026

Oldenburg brings over two decades of experience at Morgan Stanley, where she most recently served as head of emerging markets equity. Her new role will involve guiding the firm’s digital asset strategy, including cryptocurrency adoption and regulatory navigation. This appointment comes at a time when financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley, are accelerating their involvement in the digital asset sector.

Morgan Stanley’s Growing Focus on Digital Assets

Morgan Stanley has made notable moves into the digital asset arena, having filed to list spot bitcoin and Solana exchange-traded funds (ETFs) earlier this month. These filings signal the firm’s growing belief in the potential of digital assets as a mainstream investment class. While competitors like BlackRock and Fidelity have been more aggressive in their crypto initiatives, Morgan Stanley’s entry into the space is seen as a significant step.

The firm’s interest in cryptocurrency is expanding beyond just ETFs. Morgan Stanley plans to launch a proprietary digital wallet later in 2026, aimed at providing clients with secure access to digital assets. This move highlights the firm’s commitment to creating a comprehensive crypto infrastructure and offering tailored solutions for investors.

Recruitment Push in Digital Assets

As part of its digital asset expansion, Morgan Stanley is not only relying on internal promotions like Oldenburg’s but is also actively recruiting for key positions. These roles are focused on portfolio management, governance, and crypto compliance, signaling the firm’s long-term commitment to the space.

The firm is looking to hire an executive director for portfolio enablement and governance, as well as a vice president to handle crypto advisory and compliance matters. These positions are critical for ensuring that Morgan Stanley can effectively manage and advise on digital asset investments while adhering to regulatory standards.

Morgan Stanley’s hiring spree aligns with broader trends in the financial industry, as institutions seek to fill talent gaps in the digital asset sector. The firm’s move mirrors the growing demand for expertise in crypto and blockchain technologies.

The Broader Crypto Push Among Financial Institutions

Morgan Stanley’s digital asset strategy is part of a larger trend where financial firms are increasing their investments in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. Competitors like BlackRock have made substantial moves into the space, including launching bitcoin ETFs in 2024. By appointing Amy Oldenburg to lead its efforts, Morgan Stanley is positioning itself to compete in a sector that has seen rapid growth and evolving regulatory frameworks.

As stablecoins gain wider adoption and U.S. regulations continue to shape the industry, financial institutions are preparing for significant changes. Morgan Stanley’s proactive approach, coupled with its recruitment strategy, reflects the firm’s goal to maintain a strong competitive edge in this emerging market.

The post Morgan Stanley Appoints Amy Oldenburg to Lead Digital Asset Strategy appeared first on CoinCentral.

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Filed under: News - @ January 28, 2026 5:27 am