Schwab Prepares for Direct Crypto Access
Charles Schwab plans to introduce spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum in early 2026, marking a major step into the cryptocurrency market. CEO Rick Wurster confirmed that the feature will arrive first on Thinkorswim before expanding to Schwab’s main website and mobile app. This shift brings crypto trading into the same environment investors already use for stocks and bonds, which many clients have requested.
The brokerage currently offers only indirect exposure through products like futures and exchange-traded funds. However, growing interest in digital assets and a clearer regulatory landscape have pushed Schwab to adopt a more direct approach.
Regulatory Changes Open the Door
In 2025, federal regulators eased limits on how financial institutions can handle digital assets. Banks and brokerages can now offer custody, trading, and stablecoin services. Therefore, Schwab sees an opportunity to compete in a space that once belonged mostly to crypto-native exchanges.
The firm expects this launch to support long-term growth. Schwab manages more than 11 trillion dollars in client assets, and internal data shows a sharp rise in crypto-related traffic on its site. Many customers want to manage their traditional and digital portfolios in one place, and Schwab aims to meet that demand.
Impact on the Broader Crypto Market
Industry analysts believe Schwab’s plan could help accelerate mainstream adoption of digital assets. A large, regulated platform may encourage conservative investors to explore Bitcoin and Ethereum without turning to unfamiliar exchanges. Furthermore, the move could pressure competing brokerages and banks to speed up their own crypto offerings.
Key expectations include:
- More retail investors accessing crypto through trusted financial institutions
- Increased competition with established crypto exchanges
- Faster integration of digital assets into wealth management services
If the rollout performs smoothly, Schwab may set a new standard for how traditional finance embraces digital assets.
