Charles Schwab, the financial services firm managing more than $12.2 trillion in assets, has confirmed it will offer spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to clients in the first half of 2026. A dedicated cryptocurrency page has appeared under the firm’s Investment Products section on its website, indicating that Schwab Crypto is coming soon. A company spokesperson confirmed to Decrypt that the launch is imminent, with interested users able to sign up online for updates and potential early access.
The firm’s representative stated that the spot crypto offering will begin with Bitcoin and Ethereum, consistent with earlier guidance from company leadership. CEO Rick Wurster told Barron’s in early March that the rollout would begin on a limited basis in the second quarter, followed by a broader expansion. The phased approach reflects the firm’s cautious entry into direct cryptocurrency offerings.
Access to Schwab Crypto will be restricted to residents of the United States, though those living in New York and Louisiana will be excluded, according to a signup form on the platform. The launch represents a significant step forward for Schwab, which has until now offered only indirect exposure to digital assets. Existing options include exchange-traded products and shares in crypto-related companies such as Coinbase and Strategy.
Schwab had previously cited the need for regulatory clarity as a reason for its measured approach to the crypto sector. The firm has also expressed interest in stablecoins, with Wurster noting last year that the Westlake, Texas-based company wants to participate in that growing segment of the digital asset economy. During an earnings call, he stated that stablecoins are likely to play a role in blockchain transactions and that the firm intends to offer exposure to them.
Shares of Schwab, trading under the ticker SCHW, closed Thursday up more than 1.5%, at approximately $93.77, representing a gain of around 19% over the past year. That performance compares favorably to Bitcoin, which has declined roughly 18.5% over the same period. Bitcoin was recently trading near $66,864, down 47% from its all-time high of $126,080, while Ethereum was changing hands around $2,052, nearly 59% below its all-time high reached last August.
Originally reported by Decrypt.
