Bitcoin and Ethereum to be available for spot purchases at Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab, the U.S. brokerage with more than $12.2 trillion in assets under management, is preparing to let clients buy Bitcoin and Ethereum directly on its platform. A company spokesperson confirmed to Decrypt that spot trading for both cryptocurrencies is scheduled to launch before the end of the first half of 2026, as the crypto market navigates a volatile period.

Planned rollout and initial availability

The rollout will begin in a limited way in the second quarter of 2026 and then expand progressively to the broader U.S. client base. Interested users can already register on Schwab’s website to seek early access.

For now, the service will be restricted to U.S. residents, with New York and Louisiana excluded. Schwab has also indicated interest in stablecoins, stating plans to integrate them into its offering.

From indirect exposure to direct spot trading

Until now, Schwab’s crypto exposure has largely come through indirect routes, including exchange-traded funds and stocks tied to the sector, such as Coinbase (COIN) and Strategy (MSTR). The planned launch represents a shift toward direct access to digital assets.

Observers also noted that a new page titled “Schwab Crypto” appeared in the “Investment Products” section of Schwab’s official site, signaling the company’s preparation for the new offering.

Crypto market turbulence and macro backdrop

The announcement arrives amid market stress. Bitcoin posted its worst quarter, down nearly 22% since January. It traded around $66,864 on Friday, down 47% from its all-time high of $126,080. Ethereum was around $2,052, down 59% from its peak.

Macroeconomic uncertainty has weighed on risk assets, with trade wars, tariffs, and the Federal Reserve’s restrictive monetary policy cited as contributing factors.

Regulatory shift and stablecoin ambitions

Schwab’s move also reflects a changing regulatory environment. The company previously cited a lack of regulatory clarity as a reason for caution. Since Donald Trump’s arrival at the White House, the SEC has adopted a more accommodating stance toward the crypto industry, and large financial institutions have moved to reposition their offerings.

Schwab’s CEO, Rick Wurster, also highlighted the firm’s interest in stablecoins. During an earnings conference, he said: “Stablecoins are likely to play a role in transactions on blockchains, and that’s something we want to be able to offer.”

Potential impact for institutional crypto access

Schwab’s entry into spot trading is positioned as another step toward the institutionalization of cryptocurrencies in the United States. With more than $12.2 trillion in assets under management, the firm is described as a major bridge between traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem.

Schwab’s stock (SCHW) has risen nearly 19% over one year, outperforming Bitcoin’s performance over the same period.