Schwab Eyes 2026 Launch for Spot Crypto Trading Service

Charles Schwab, a leading player in the brokerage industry, is making significant strides in its entry into the cryptocurrency market. The company has confirmed plans to introduce spot cryptocurrency trading in the first half of 2026, offering customers the ability to purchase and sell Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) alongside traditional assets.

The launch of this new feature follows a July announcement by CEO Rick Wurster, who stated that Schwab intended to implement cryptocurrency trading 'sometime soon' in response to customer demand. To facilitate early adoption, the company has established a waiting list for customers eager to utilize its 'Schwab Crypto' account.

By offering spot crypto trading through its established brokerage platform, Schwab is poised to capitalize on its vast client base of $11.9 trillion in assets. This move is seen as an attempt to create a more streamlined investing experience, allowing clients to view digital assets alongside traditional investments like stocks and bonds.