Schwab Prepares Spot Bitcoin Trading Launch by April 2026, Driven by 400% Traffic Surge
1min read Charles schwab Corp is preparing to enter the spot Bitcoin trading market, with CEO Rick Wurster indicating a potential launch as early as April 2026. Wurster highlighted a 400% surge in traffic to Schwab’s crypto-related web pages as clear evidence of investor interest in digital assets. “Our expectation is that with the changing regulatory environment, we are hopeful and likely to be able to launch direct spot crypto,” he said. “Our goal is to do that in the next 12 months, and we are on a great path to be able to do that.”
Wurster, who took over as CEO in 2025, has consistently expressed interest in expanding Schwab’s digital asset offerings. In a November 2024 interview, he noted that the firm was eager to offer direct crypto services but was awaiting clearer regulatory guidance before moving forward. Following Donald Trump’s re-election in late 2024, Wurster cited optimism that the new administration would create a more favorable regulatory landscape for digital assets. The shift could finally enable Schwab to roll out direct trading services, long requested by its client base.
In January 2025, Schwab deepened its crypto push by partnering with trump media and Technology Group (TMTG) to support the launch of “Truth.fi,” a platform combining traditional financial services with cryptocurrency offerings. The initiative aims to present an alternative to legacy banking, catering to users concerned about financial censorship and data privacy. TMTG CEO and White House advisor Devin Nunes described Truth.Fi as a solution for Americans worried about “debanking, censorship, and privacy violations” by mainstream tech and financial institutions. While Wurster has admitted he personally does not own any crypto—saying he felt “silly” for not investing earlier—his leadership signals Schwab’s intent to play a larger role in the evolving digital finance ecosystem.
Schwab’s move into spot Bitcoin trading is a significant development in the financial industry, reflecting the growing interest and demand for digital assets. The company’s decision to enter this market is driven by a combination of factors, including investor demand, regulatory changes, and strategic partnerships. The launch of spot Bitcoin trading services is expected to provide Schwab’s clients with direct access to the cryptocurrency market, further enhancing the company’s digital asset offerings. This move is likely to position Schwab as a key player in the digital finance ecosystem, catering to the needs of investors who are increasingly interested in digital assets.
