Charles Schwab Announces Plans to Introduce Cryptocurrency Trading Services by 2026
Financial services giant Charles Schwab has revealed its strategy to enter the digital asset market with the launch of a dedicated cryptocurrency trading platform in 2026. This move signifies the firm’s recognition of growing institutional and retail demand for crypto exposure. The platform is expected to offer trading of major cryptocurrencies alongside traditional investment products, bridging the gap between conventional finance and digital assets. Industry analysts anticipate this development will further legitimize cryptocurrency adoption among mainstream investors.
Charles Schwab Eyes Crypto Expansion
During a recent earnings call, Schwab CEO Rick Wurster said the firm is optimistic about upcoming regulatory changes that could allow it to fully enter crypto trading.
“Our expectation is that with the changing regulatory environment, we are hopeful and likely to be able to launch direct spot crypto and our goal is to do that in the next 12 months and we’re on a great path to be able to do that,” Wurster explained.
This move would allow the company to offer direct access to spot crypto trading and place it in direct competition with major players like Coinbase and Binance.
While the company already offers crypto-related products such as Bitcoin futures and crypto ETFs, the addition of direct trading would significantly expand its crypto portfolio. According to the CEO, engagement on these products has grown rapidly in recent months.
Wurster revealed that visits to the firm’s crypto-focused content have surged 400%. Of that traffic, 70% came from users who are not yet customers, showing a growing appetite for digital asset investments.
Wurster’s confidence in crypto aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to introduce a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets. Compared to past years, progress on crypto legislation and oversight has accelerated, especially among key regulatory bodies like the SEC.
If these improvements continue, Schwab could debut its spot crypto trading platform before mid-2026. The firm believes its reputation in traditional finance gives it a strategic advantage in expanding into the crypto space.
Meanwhile, Schwab is already dipping its toes into the sector through its role as custodian for Truth.Fi, an upcoming digital investment platform launched by Trump Media and Technology Group. Truth.Fi plans to offer a mix of Bitcoin, separately managed accounts, and other crypto-linked products.
Indeed, Schwab’s potential entry into the sector has drawn attention from other industry leaders. Asset management firm Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley described the brokerage firm’s move as a milestone in crypto’s transition to mainstream finance.
Rachael Horwitz, Chief Marketing Officer at Haun Ventures, echoed that sentiment and encouraged Schwab to consider crypto-collateralized lending as a future offering.
“Schwab should implement crypto-collateralized lending as part of its banking services next,” Horwitz said.
