Charles Schwab, one of the biggest names in American finance, is about to launch spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Texas-based investment company, which manages $11.9 trillion in client assets, plans to launch this service in the first half of 2026.
Notably, the firm has already opened a waitlist for its new Schwab Crypto account. This development will allow clients to buy and sell the two largest cryptocurrencies alongside their traditional investments.
The service will run through Charles Schwab Premier Bank, the firm’s banking subsidiary. Hence, it keeps the crypto product within a regulated banking environment rather than a standard brokerage wrapper. Additionally, the initiative aims to cater to client demand by showcasing digital assets alongside traditional holdings such as stocks and bonds.
Why This is a Major Move
Charles Schwab’s market scale is what makes this announcement stand out from the crowd. Currently, the firm has $11.9 trillion in client assets. Its goal is to build a base of retail and institutional investors who may prefer trading crypto in a familiar brokerage environment rather than on standalone platforms. That’s a fundamentally different kind of reach than what crypto-native exchanges like Coinbase offer.
Moreover, Charles Schwab isn’t trying to convert crypto enthusiasts. Instead, it’s welcoming the significantly larger group of traditional investors who have shown curiosity but have not yet taken action.
Besides, the firm already allows clients to invest in crypto-linked ETFs and trade Bitcoin futures on its platform. It also launched the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, an ETF that tracks companies tied to the digital asset sector. Thus, spot trading is the next logical and most direct step.
A Brokerage Race Is Underway
Charles Schwab isn’t moving alone. This recent announcement lands in the middle of a broader push by traditional finance to get into the crypto spot market. Also making the headlines is Morgan Stanley’s preparation to bring crypto trading to its E*Trade platform in the first half of 2026. The offering will begin with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
Just like Morgan Stanley, Charles Schwab is also starting with select cryptocurrencies. Although it only names Bitcoin and Ethereum, it remains to be seen if it will eventually expand to other assets.
Temitope Olajide
Evans Kelvin
