Charles Schwab Prepares to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in 2025 Amid Regulatory Shifts

• Why Is Charles Schwab Entering the Crypto Space Now?
• What’s the Deal with Schwab’s Stablecoin Plans?
• How Did Crypto Trading Volumes Perform in Q2 2025?
• Did Schwab Benefit from the Trump Tariff Rally?
• What’s Next for Crypto and Traditional Finance?
• FAQs

Charles Schwab, the financial services giant, is gearing up to introduce Bitcoin and ethereum trading for its clients, targeting a launch within the next 12 months. The move comes as the U.S. regulatory landscape evolves, with Schwab also exploring a proprietary stablecoin. Meanwhile, spot crypto trading volumes dipped in Q2 2025, but institutional interest remains strong. Here’s a deep dive into Schwab’s crypto ambitions and the broader market trends.

Why Is Charles Schwab Entering the Crypto Space Now?

Charles Schwab’s push into crypto isn’t just a knee-jerk reaction to market hype. According to Oliver Wurster, a key executive at the firm, Schwab has been laying the groundwork since late 2024. The timing hinges on clearer U.S. regulations, especially after the House passed the Stablecoin Act last week. "We expect to launch direct crypto trading within a year," Wurster said, emphasizing Schwab’s methodical approach. This isn’t just about hopping on the bandwagon—it’s a strategic play to cater to institutional clients hungry for crypto exposure.

What’s the Deal with Schwab’s Stablecoin Plans?

Beyond trading, Schwab is eyeing the stablecoin market. Wurster hinted at partnerships or in-house development, stating, "Stablecoins will be critical for blockchain transactions, and we plan to offer one." This aligns with the firm’s history of diversifying revenue streams—think of it as Schwab’s answer to JPMorgan’s JPM Coin. With the Stablecoin Act now in play, the race to dominate the dollar-pegged crypto space is heating up.

How Did Crypto Trading Volumes Perform in Q2 2025?

Data from TokenInsight reveals a 22% drop in spot trading volumes across major centralized exchanges (CEXs) like BTCC, Binance, and Coinbase. Volumes slid from $5.3 trillion in Q4 2024 to $3.6 trillion in Q2 2025. Bitcoin’s price volatility played a role, dipping 4.36% last week to $61,840. But here’s the twist: institutional inflows into bitcoin ETFs hit $726 million on Wednesday alone, led by BlackRock’s ETHA fund. So, while retail traders hesitated, the big players doubled down.

Did Schwab Benefit from the Trump Tariff Rally?

Absolutely. Schwab’s Q2 earnings surged 60% year-over-year, thanks to frenzied trading around Trump’s tariff announcements. The brokerage posted $2.13 billion in profit, with client assets ballooning to $10.76 trillion. Late-market moves didn’t just boost assets—they let Schwab charge premium fees. As one analyst quipped, "When Wall Street sneezes, Schwab sells tissues at a markup."

What’s Next for Crypto and Traditional Finance?

Schwab’s crypto rollout could be a watershed moment. If a conservative giant like Schwab embraces Bitcoin, it might coax other legacy firms off the sidelines. But challenges remain: regulatory clarity, market volatility, and competition from agile crypto-native platforms. For now, all eyes are on whether Schwab’s "measured approach" can outpace the crypto industry’s breakneck speed.

FAQs

When will Charles Schwab start offering Bitcoin trading?

Schwab aims to launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading within the next 12 months, pending regulatory developments.

What’s driving the drop in crypto trading volumes?

The Q2 2025 decline reflects Bitcoin’s price correction and reduced retail participation, though institutional inflows remain robust.

How does Schwab’s stablecoin plan compare to competitors?

Unlike Tether or USDC, Schwab’s stablecoin will likely target institutional blockchain settlements, similar to JPMorgan’s offering.