CNBC: Morgan Stanley first major US bank to offer clients access to Bitcoin funds BENGALURU: Morgan Stanley has become the first big US bank to offer its wealth management clients access to bitcoin funds, CNBC reported on Wednesday. In an internal memo, the bank told its financial advisers it would launch access to three funds allowing ownership of Bitcoin, CNBC reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the matter. The decision was taken after the bank's clients demanded exposure to the cryptocurrency, according the report. Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Bitcoin surged to a record high of US$61,781.83 (RM254,541) on Saturday, but has since fallen as investors consolidated gains and on news of plans by India to ban cryptocurrencies. The cyrptocurrency has been gaining mainstream acceptance lately, with Elon Musk's Tesla Inc and Square Inc betting on it. Last month, Bank of NY Mellon Corp formed a new unit to help clients hold, transfer and issue digital assets. Access to the funds will only be allowed to people who have at least US$2 million in assets held by the bank.