Charles Schwab Set to Launch Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in 2025: A Game-Changer for Crypto Markets?

• Why Is Charles Schwab Entering the Spot Crypto Market?
• What’s the Big Deal About Schwab’s Stablecoin Plans?
• How Did Crypto Markets Perform in Q2 2025?
• Did Trump’s Conviction Boost Schwab’s Profits?
• What’s Next for Crypto Adoption?
• FAQs

Charles Schwab, the U.S. brokerage giant managing $10.7 trillion in assets, is gearing up to launch spot Bitcoin and ethereum trading within the next 12 months, according to CEO Rick Wurster. The move comes amid a shifting regulatory landscape and follows Schwab’s earlier hints in late 2024. The firm also plans to introduce a proprietary stablecoin, signaling its deepening commitment to crypto. Meanwhile, spot crypto trading volumes dipped 22% in Q2 2025, but Bitcoin posted a 25% quarterly gain. Here’s what you need to know about Schwab’s crypto ambitions and the broader market trends.

Why Is Charles Schwab Entering the Spot Crypto Market?

Charles Schwab isn’t just dipping its toes into crypto—it’s diving in headfirst. CEO Rick Wurster confirmed the firm’s plans to launch spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading during its Spring 2025 business update, reiterating a timeline of "within the next 12 months." This isn’t entirely surprising; Schwab first floated the idea in November 2024, but back then, Wurster emphasized that regulatory clarity was a prerequisite. Fast-forward to mid-2025, and the U.S. House’s recent passage of the FIT21 Act (a regulatory framework for stablecoins) seems to have greased the wheels. "We expect the evolving regulatory environment will allow us to launch direct spot crypto trading soon," Wurster said, sounding notably more optimistic than last year.

What’s the Big Deal About Schwab’s Stablecoin Plans?

Beyond spot trading, Schwab dropped another bombshell: it’s working on its own stablecoin. Wurster was coy on specifics but hinted at multiple approaches—partnerships, in-house development, or leveraging existing blockchain infrastructure. "Stablecoins will likely play a key role in blockchain transactions, and we want to offer that," he noted. This aligns with broader industry trends; after all, even Standard Chartered rolled out a Bitcoin/stablecoin trading desk this week. Could Schwab’s stablecoin become the next USDT or USDC? Only time will tell, but with $10.7 trillion in assets, Schwab has the muscle to shake things up.

How Did Crypto Markets Perform in Q2 2025?

Schwab’s crypto push comes amid mixed market signals. Spot trading volumes on centralized exchanges (CEXs) fell 22% quarter-over-quarter to $3.6 trillion, per TokenInsight data. That’s down from $5.3 trillion in Q4 2024 and $4.6 trillion in Q1 2025. Yet bitcoin defied the trend, rallying 25% in Q2—a stark reversal from its 12% Q1 slump. Ethereum also saw action, with Wednesday netting $726.74 million in ETF inflows, led by BlackRock’s $499 million haul. Still, Bitcoin dipped 4.36% last week to $61,840, reminding everyone that crypto remains volatile.

Did Trump’s Conviction Boost Schwab’s Profits?

Oddly enough, Schwab’s earnings got a bump from an unrelated event: the frenzy around Trump’s recent legal woes. The brokerage posted a 60% profit jump YoY, with client assets up 14% to $10.76 trillion. Trading revenue soared 23% to $952 million, and adjusted EPS hit $1.14. "The late-stage bull market isn’t just swelling assets under management—it’s letting firms like Schwab charge higher fees," noted a BTCC analyst. For Q2 2025, Schwab netted $2.13 billion ($1.08/share), trouncing the $1.33 billion ($0.66/share) from Q2 2024.

What’s Next for Crypto Adoption?

Schwab’s MOVE is part of a broader institutional embrace. Standard Chartered’s new Bitcoin/stablecoin desk caters to asset managers and corporations, while BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF inflows suggest growing mainstream comfort. Still, regulatory hurdles persist. The FIT21 Act’s stablecoin provisions are a start, but the SEC’s stance on ETH remains foggy. As one trader quipped, "Crypto’s two steps forward, one step back—but Schwab’s betting it’s net two steps ahead."