Market News

Morgan Stanley Veteran Launches DeFi Investment Firm Amid Crypto Boom

Andrew Peel, previously the head of digital asset markets at Morgan Stanley, has embarked on a new venture focused on decentralized finance (DeFi).

In March, Peel left the financial giant to establish a crypto-oriented investment and trading technology firm, set to be based in Zug, Switzerland.

The newly formed company aims to merge traditional finance with the burgeoning DeFi space by offering asset management and innovative technology services.

Plans include the issue and investment in tokenized DeFi assets, and establishing tailored trading infrastructure for institutions entering this dynamic space.

Peel's departure aligns with an increasing momentum on Wall Street towards digital assets, especially with the expected rollout of crypto trading services on Morgan Stanley’s E*Trade platform next year.

Significant developments in the U.S. regulatory landscape have reignited interest in cryptocurrency, particularly after recent approvals of spot Bitcoin ETFs.

In related news, BNY Mellon’s Caroline Butler is leaving her position as global head of digital assets, highlighting shifts in leadership across major financial institutions.

Despite a decline in the total number of crypto venture capital deals in Q1 2025, the total deal value surged to $6 billion, pointing to sustained investor confidence in the sector.

Leading the funding this quarter were crypto financial services firms, raising over $2.5 billion, showcasing strong investor appetite for crypto innovations.

Looking ahead, the anticipated IPO of stablecoin issuer Circle may set new benchmarks for crypto valuations and influence future funding dynamics within the industry.