The global financial industry is experiencing rapid shifts, from Wall Street banks entering digital assets to regulators tackling fraud and technology providers expanding AI capabilities. Three recent developments stand out.

🔹 Morgan Stanley to Introduce Crypto Trading via E*Trade in Partnership with Zerohash

Morgan Stanley will enable retail clients of its E*Trade platform to trade cryptocurrencies starting in the first half of 2026. The initiative is supported by Zerohash, a provider of digital asset infrastructure. Initially, clients will have access to Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL).

This step positions the bank alongside competitors that already operate in the retail crypto space. Robinhood, active in this market for over five years, reported USD 626 million in digital asset revenue in 2023, equal to 21% of its total net income. Charles Schwab has instead offered exposure through ETFs, while Interactive Brokers both expanded its crypto range and participated in a USD 104 million Zerohash funding round.
The launch demonstrates the continued integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream retail platforms.

🔹 CySEC Warns Against Fake Emails Targeting Investors

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has warned about fraudulent messages sent under its name. These emails feature non-existent employees and request payments for fabricated services, such as the release of funds or the issuance of “trading certificates.”

According to CySEC, the regulator never charges for certificates, fund withdrawals, or related services. Some scams even claim compliance reasons for demanding large upfront fees.

To strengthen investor protection, CySEC launched an online test of 12 questions to help the public recognize typical scam scenarios, including unverified platforms, promises of extraordinary returns, and communications through personal channels rather than official ones.

This campaign reflects CySEC’s effort to reduce fraud risks in forex, CFD, and crypto markets.

🔹 Acuity Acquires Ascent to Strengthen AI-Driven Solutions for Brokers

Acuity Knowledge Partners has agreed to purchase Ascent, a European company focused on AI-powered digital transformation. Ascent employs 550 professionals across seven countries and supports more than 170 international clients.

Acuity, whose platform already combines human expertise with AI to deliver market analysis and insights to retail brokers like RoboForex, will integrate Ascent into its Data and Technology Services division. The acquisition is expected to expand Acuity’s ability to provide scalable AI solutions and enhance its technology portfolio.

The deal reflects how AI is becoming central to broker services and client support in the financial sector.

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