Morgan Stanley’s E*Trade is in discussions to take a leading role in distributing shares to retail investors in SpaceX’s upcoming initial public offering, according to the report from Reuters citing people familiar with the matter.
The move could give E*Trade a significant advantage over rival platforms such as Robinhood and SoFi, which have also sought participation in the deal. SpaceX is reportedly considering limiting or excluding those firms from the retail allocation, an unusual step given their growing presence in major IPOs in recent years.
The SpaceX listing is expected to be the largest in history, with strong demand anticipated from both institutional and individual investors.
Retail Access Becomes Strategic Battleground
Retail investors are expected to play a larger role than usual in the SpaceX IPO. The company is reportedly considering allocating up to 30% of shares to individual investors, well above the typical 5% to 10% seen in most public offerings.
Morgan Stanley, a lead underwriter on the deal, is expected to channel a significant portion of that allocation through its E*Trade platform. This strategy would allow the bank to capture more of the retail order flow internally, rather than relying on third-party brokerages.
Robinhood and SoFi remain in discussions but may receive a smaller share of the offering, if any. Fidelity is also reportedly seeking a role in distributing shares through its platform.
The plans are still under discussion and could change as the IPO approaches.
Morgan Stanley’s Push Into Retail
A prominent role in the SpaceX IPO would mark a major win for E*Trade, which Morgan Stanley acquired for $13 billion in 2020. The bank has since expanded its focus on retail trading as part of a broader strategy to diversify revenue beyond traditional investment banking and wealth management.
Securing a central position in a high-profile IPO could strengthen E*Trade’s competitive standing against platforms such as Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers, particularly as retail participation in equity markets continues to grow.
The allocation strategy also reflects a broader shift in how IPOs are structured, with increased emphasis on engaging individual investors alongside institutional buyers.
Implications for the IPO Market
The SpaceX IPO is shaping up to be a landmark event, not only because of its scale but also due to its unconventional structure and strong retail focus. The involvement of platforms like E*Trade highlights how distribution strategies are evolving in response to changing investor dynamics.
The outcome could influence how future large-scale listings are structured, particularly for technology and AI-driven companies seeking to tap both institutional capital and retail enthusiasm.
As SpaceX moves closer to going public, decisions around share allocation and distribution will play a critical role in shaping demand and setting precedents for the next wave of high-profile IPOs.