Charles Schwab to Launch Spot Crypto Trading by April 2026

Charles Schwab, a prominent financial services company, has announced its plans to launch spot crypto trading by April 2026. This significant move was revealed during the company's 2025 Spring Business Update, where CEO Rick Wurster detailed the firm's intentions to provide clients with direct access to Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. This initiative marks a substantial step towards integrating digital assets into traditional financial services, potentially boosting the accessibility and adoption of cryptocurrencies among a broader investor base.

The decision to enter the spot crypto trading market reflects Schwab's strategic shift towards embracing the growing demand for digital assets. By offering spot trading, Schwab aims to provide its clients with a more straightforward and efficient way to invest in cryptocurrencies, eliminating the need for complex derivatives or futures contracts. This move is expected to attract a new segment of investors who are interested in the potential of Bitcoin and Ethereum but have been hesitant to engage with the crypto market due to its perceived complexity.

Schwab currently enables access to crypto through ETFs, closed end funds, and futures. Wurster revealed that they are “on a great path” to launch direct spot crypto trading within the next year. Schwab’s entry into the spot market would be a major step especially as regulatory clarity improves. He called the expansion a response to client demand as well as a strategic move to maintain its role as a top destination for retail and institutional crypto investors.

Recently, the CEO highlighted growing interest in Schwab’s crypto offerings like ETFs and Bitcoin futures. Rick Wurster became Schwab’s CEO in 2025 and said in a 2024 interview that the firm was ready to offer crypto trading but was waiting for clearer regulations. Schwab saw a big 40% jump in profits last quarter, as many investors shifted their portfolios due to market volatility. Wurster suggested that some of those investors might be turning to crypto. Notably, there was a 400% surge in traffic to their crypto site, of which 70% was from non-clients which indicates rising public interest.

Wurster noted that the massive spike in traffic indicates that investors who were once hesitant to jump into crypto space are now doing so, due to Schwab’s reputation as a trusted financial brand. The anticipated launch of spot Bitcoin trading services by Charles Schwab signifies a significant step towards integrating digital assets into traditional financial services. This move is likely to have a positive impact on the overall crypto market, as it will provide a more accessible entry point for investors who are already familiar with Schwab's platform. The integration of spot crypto trading into Schwab's existing services is expected to streamline the investment process, making it easier for clients to diversify their portfolios and gain exposure to the crypto market.

Spot crypto trading is already offered by major crypto exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, Kraken and Gemini, who lead the space, popular with both retail and institutional users for their deep liquidity, wide range of trading pairs and advanced tools. Besides, Traditional firms are also making moves. Fidelity offers spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, while Robinhood and eToro enable commission-free crypto trades alongside stocks and ETFs.

Earlier this year, Schwab partnered with Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) to launch Truth.fi, a brand offering ETFs, Bitcoin, and other investments. Schwab will manage up to $250 million in assets, focusing on U.S. growth and the “Patriot Economy.”

The announcement by Schwab comes at a time when the crypto market is experiencing increased institutional interest and regulatory clarity. As more traditional financial institutions enter the crypto space, the market is likely to see greater stability and legitimacy. Schwab's entry into spot crypto trading is expected to further validate the growing acceptance of digital assets as a viable investment option, potentially attracting more institutional investors and retail traders to the market.

In summary, Charles Schwab's decision to launch spot crypto trading by April 2026 represents a significant development in the integration of digital assets into traditional financial services. This move is expected to boost the accessibility and adoption of Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing a more straightforward and efficient way for investors to engage with the crypto market. As the crypto market continues to evolve, Schwab's entry into spot crypto trading is likely to have a positive impact on the overall market, attracting more investors and contributing to greater stability and legitimacy.