Major asset managers have deployed over $100 million across multiple blockchain platforms this week, capitalizing on Nasdaq's SEC approval for on-chain stock trading to accelerate institutional tokenization strategies.
The coordinated push includes Amundi's $100 million tokenized fund launch on Ethereum and Stellar, Morgan Stanley's bitcoin ETF with $1 million seed capital, and regulatory positioning from Fidelity and Grayscale for expanded crypto brokerage services.
The Deployments
- Amundi: $100 million tokenized fund across Ethereum and Stellar networks
- Morgan Stanley: MSBT ticker secured with $1 million bitcoin ETF seed capital
- Fidelity: Formal SEC comment letter on crypto broker-dealer rules
- Grayscale: Application to expand crypto trading access to traditional brokerages
- Nasdaq: SEC approval for blockchain-based stock trading infrastructure
The developments follow Nasdaq's March 20 SEC approval to move traditional stock trading on-chain, creating regulatory precedent for institutional blockchain adoption. Nasdaq's approval specifically covers blockchain settlement infrastructure that traditional asset managers can leverage for tokenized products.
Amundi's $100 million fund represents Europe's largest asset manager entering multi-chain tokenization. The fund operates across Ethereum for institutional liquidity and Stellar for cross-border settlement efficiency. Fund documents show the structure maintains traditional regulatory compliance while enabling 24/7 trading and instant settlement.
"This demonstrates how established asset managers are moving beyond pilot programs into material capital deployment," according to tokenization platform Securitize's latest institutional adoption metrics.
Fidelity's SEC comment letter argues current broker-dealer rules create unnecessary friction for cryptocurrency asset custody and trading. The firm specifically requests clarification on segregated client crypto holdings and settlement timeframes. Grayscale simultaneously filed for expanded trading access, seeking to offer crypto products through traditional brokerage relationships.
Infrastructure Convergence
Morgan Stanley's bitcoin ETF launch with MSBT ticker signals major bank entry into direct cryptocurrency products. The $1 million seed represents institutional commitment beyond previous wealth management offerings. SEC filings show the structure mirrors traditional ETF mechanics while incorporating cryptocurrency custody requirements.
The timing coincides with Nasdaq's blockchain infrastructure approval, creating integrated rails for traditional and tokenized asset trading. Industry observers note this infrastructure convergence reduces operational barriers that previously limited institutional adoption.
Analysts expect additional major asset managers to announce tokenization initiatives given the regulatory clarity from Nasdaq's approval and the operational precedents established by this week's launches.
Risk Considerations: Tokenized assets involve regulatory uncertainty, technology risks, and potential liquidity constraints compared to traditional instruments.Data sources: The Block, CoinDesk, SEC filings. Information as of March 23, 2026.