Charles Schwab Launches Crypto Trading: Bitcoin and Ether Coming in Mid-2026
The financial services giant Charles Schwab has announced its intention to offer spot cryptocurrency trading by the first half of 2026, marking a major step in institutional adoption of digital assets.
« We remain on track to launch our spot crypto offer in the first half of 2026, starting with bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH), » a company spokesperson told CoinDesk on Friday.
An Opportunity for Investors
Schwab has opened a waitlist for clients seeking early access to what will be called the « Schwab Crypto Account, » which will allow users to buy and sell the two largest cryptocurrencies. The service will be offered via Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB.
This initiative builds on comments from CEO Rick Wurster, who stated last July that Schwab aimed to introduce crypto trading « soon » in response to client demand. He framed the effort as a way to bring digital assets into the same account view as stocks and bonds in a push toward a more unified investment platform.
Schwab’s Scale Advantage
Schwab’s scale could give it a significant edge as it enters a market long dominated by crypto-native exchanges. The firm reported $11.9 trillion in client assets in 2025, offering a built-in base of retail and institutional investors who may prefer trading crypto within a familiar brokerage environment rather than using standalone platforms.
The firm already allows clients to invest in ETFs linked to cryptocurrencies and trade bitcoin futures on its platform. It also launched the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index (STCE), an ETF that tracks the performance of companies linked to the digital asset sector.
Impact on the Crypto Market
Schwab’s entry into the cryptocurrency market represents a major turning point for the industry. With nearly $12 trillion in assets under management, the firm is one of the world’s largest brokerages, and its involvement could accelerate massive adoption of cryptocurrencies by traditional investors.
This announcement comes amid a context where many US financial institutions are considering offering cryptocurrency services to their clients. The SEC has recently clarified its rules regarding digital assets, offering greater regulatory certainty to market participants.
Future Outlook
Although the initial offering is limited to bitcoin and ether, it is likely that Schwab will gradually extend its range of available cryptocurrencies based on client demand and regulatory framework evolution.
Integrating cryptocurrency trading into traditional brokerage platforms represents another step toward democratizing digital assets. Investors thus have simplified access to cryptocurrencies through established and regulated financial institutions.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice. Crypto is a volatile asset: do your own research before making any financial decisions.
