Charles Schwab to Offer Spot Crypto Trading by April 2026

Charles Schwab Corp., a leading US financial services firm with over $10 trillion in assets under management, has announced its plans to introduce spot crypto trading for its clients by April 2026. This strategic move is driven by the rapidly changing regulatory environment in the US and the growing demand from clients, particularly the younger generation, who are increasingly interested in digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Currently, Charles Schwab allows clients to access crypto through various vehicles such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and futures. However, the firm's CEO, Rick Wurster, who took over the role in January, has expressed optimism about the launch of direct spot crypto trading. During the company’s 2025 Spring Business Update, Wurster stated that the firm is "on a great path" to offer this service within the next 12 months. He attributed this confidence to the evolving regulatory landscape, which is becoming more conducive to digital asset services.

Once the service is launched, millions of Schwab clients will be able to buy crypto directly using their brokerage accounts. This move signals a broader shift among traditional financial institutions as they adapt to the increasing demand for cryptocurrencies. The introduction of spot crypto trading by Charles Schwab is expected to make Bitcoin and Ethereum more accessible to a wider audience, leveraging the firm's extensive client base and robust infrastructure to facilitate the adoption of digital assets among mainstream investors.

This development is part of a broader trend in the financial industry, where many institutions are recognizing the potential of cryptocurrencies and taking steps to integrate them into their service offerings. The firm's decision to launch spot crypto trading within the next year underscores its confidence in the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies and its readiness to adapt to the changing market dynamics. As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, more financial institutions are likely to embrace cryptocurrencies, paving the way for broader adoption and integration into the mainstream financial system.

In a November 2024 interview, Wurster indicated that the company was interested in providing services to clients who want to trade digital assets. He mentioned that Schwab wanted to offer crypto directly to its clients once regulatory conditions improve. Following the re-election of Donald Trump, Wurster expressed that the financial services company expected the shifting regulatory winds under the new administration to expand its digital asset services. Wurster also mentioned that he had personally not invested in crypto, adding that he felt “silly” for not buying digital assets as they continued to enjoy significant gains.

In summary, Charles Schwab's plan to offer direct crypto trading to its clients by 2026 is a significant development in the financial industry. It reflects the growing institutional interest in digital assets and the firm's commitment to staying ahead of the curve. As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, more financial institutions are likely to embrace cryptocurrencies, paving the way for broader adoption and integration into the mainstream financial system.