ECONOMY

Morgan Stanley's IPO underwriting boosts wealth management assets by $74 billion in Q2

Morgan Stanley's role in underwriting IPOs, including SpaceX, contributed to significant growth in its wealth management assets during the second quarter of 2026.

2 August 2026 · 16:55 · 1 sources

Morgan Stanley reported a $74 billion increase in wealth management assets in the second quarter of 2026. This growth is attributed to the bank's underwriting activities of initial public offerings (IPOs), notably including SpaceX and other new issues. The bank's underwriting of these IPOs has created an influx of assets under management, signaling a substantial opportunity in its wealth management division.

Sources

Financal Times — Morgan Stanley’s IPO after-party: a wealth management bonanza

THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND

Morgan Stanley's IPO underwriting boosts wealth management assets by $74 billion in Q2

Sources

How does underwriting IPOs directly lead to growth in wealth management assets?

What incentives does Morgan Stanley have to prioritize underwriting IPOs from companies like SpaceX?

How might the influx of assets from IPO underwriting affect Morgan Stanley's risk profile?

What are the potential long-term impacts on Morgan Stanley's wealth management services following large IPO underwriting deals?

How would Morgan Stanley’s wealth management growth differ if there were fewer large IPOs in the market?