Schwab Prepares to Launch Direct Spot Trading for Bitcoin and Ether

Charles Schwab's plans to introduce direct spot trading for Bitcoin and Ether have been in the works for several years, but the firm has finally confirmed a launch timeline. According to a statement from Charles Schwab Premier Bank, the company is 'on track' to launch its spot crypto offer in the first half of 2026, starting with Bitcoin and Ether. The service, branded as 'Schwab Crypto,' will be operated through Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB – a regulated banking subsidiary.

The rollout will be phased, beginning with internal employee testing, followed by invited clients, before full public availability. Early access is currently limited to U.S. residents, excluding New York and Louisiana. The launch of spot trading marks the next step in Schwab's deliberate, regulated build-out into the cryptocurrency market.

The competitive implications for the crypto exchange landscape are significant, with analysts noting that Schwab's scale could allow it to undercut competitors on fees, potentially reshaping the retail crypto trading market. Morgan Stanley is also preparing a comparable launch through its E*TRADE platform. Schwab has indicated plans to introduce a stablecoin product following the passage of the GENIUS Act.