US-based investment giant Charles Schwab plans to roll out spot cryptocurrency trading for its clients in the first half of 2026, marking a significant step forward in its strategy for digital asset markets. The move is expected to broaden the company’s activities in the rapidly expanding crypto sector. Schwab aims to streamline the process for its investors by bringing crypto transactions onto a single, consolidated platform.
Bitcoin and Ethereum to lead the first phase
Charles Schwab is preparing to initially offer support for spot trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the world’s two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. According to a company representative, the planned service will be available via Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB. Investors interested in early access can now join a waitlist for a new account type dubbed “Schwab Crypto.” Once launched, this account will allow users to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through the Schwab ecosystem.
The company’s management signaled a coming expansion of digital asset services last year, following a surge in crypto market demand among clients. CEO Rick Wurster suggested that integrating this new feature would let customers monitor crypto holdings alongside stocks and bonds, all within the same account. This integrated approach is designed to let investors manage all their assets smoothly through a single Schwab platform.
Market experience and existing offerings
Schwab is renowned as one of the leading brokerage firms in the US financial sector, serving millions of individual and institutional investors with a diverse suite of financial products. As of 2025, the company reportedly manages $11.9 trillion in total assets. With its substantial client base, Schwab is well positioned to quickly extend the reach of its upcoming crypto services.
Currently, Schwab clients can already invest in crypto index funds and trade Bitcoin futures on the platform. The company also launched the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index (STCE) ETF, which tracks companies engaged in the digital asset sector. These instruments have enabled Schwab’s customers to gain exposure to the digital asset space through traditional investment channels.
Unlike previous offerings—such as futures contracts and ETFs, which provide indirect exposure—the introduction of spot crypto trading will allow Schwab’s clients to own and trade digital assets directly. This additional channel will further diversify the options available for those seeking to invest in cryptocurrencies.
By entering the market with spot trading, Schwab is set to open up crypto investing to a broader pool of investors. Meanwhile, established crypto exchanges now face a new competitive landscape as major traditional finance firms deepen their involvement in the digital asset space.
Schwab’s entrance into spot crypto trading signals the growing interest of mainstream financial institutions in digital assets, according to industry analysts.
The expansion of crypto services by a brokerage of Schwab’s scale could accelerate the institutional adoption of digital assets in the US. Many experts believe that access through familiar brokerage channels will encourage participation from both seasoned investors and newcomers.
