Charles Schwab to roll out spot Bitcoin and Ether trading in H1 2026

Brokerage behemoth Charles Schwab is preparing to launch spot cryptocurrency trading in the first half of 2026, marking a deeper expansion into the digital asset space. Schwab’s $12 trillion in assets under management and strong market reputation could help further legitimize crypto as a mainstream asset class, drawing increased institutional participation and potentially bolstering Bitcoin’s parabolic momentum. Direct BTC and ETH Trading Coming With New “Schwab Crypto” Charles Schwab is set to introduce spot trading for Bitcoin and Ether in the first half of 2026. “We remain on track to launch our spot crypto offer in the first half of 2026, starting with bitcoin BTC and ether (ETH),” the company said in a statement. The BTC and ETH spot trading service will be provided through Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB. The firm has launched a waitlist for clients interested in early access to its upcoming “Schwab Crypto” account, which will enable users to trade BTC and ETH. The initiative follows earlier remarks from Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster, who noted in July 2025 that the firm planned to introduce crypto trading in the near future amid soaring client interest. He explained that the goal is to incorporate digital assets alongside traditional holdings like stocks and bonds within one consolidated view, supporting a more integrated investment experience. It’s worth mentioning that Schwab already offers clients access to cryptocurrency-linked ETFs and the ability to trade Bitcoin futures on its platform. The financial services giant has also debuted the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index (STCE) ETF, which tracks the performance of companies connected to the digital asset industry. Major Tailwind For Crypto Market Charles Schwab’s vast scale could provide a competitive advantage as it enters a space historically led by crypto-native exchanges. Its move into spot Bitcoin and Ether trading also reflects increasing institutional confidence in digital assets. Charles Schwab is joining a growing group of traditional finance (TradFi) firms aiming to give clients direct access to crypto markets. Other major players, including Morgan Stanley, are also preparing similar offerings through their brokerage arm E*TRADE, with plans to support trading in assets such as Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana. The shift comes amid crypto-supportive policies associated with Donald Trump’s administration, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission easing certain accounting constraints and the Federal Reserve adopting more flexible guidelines for banks engaging with crypto partners. As Charles Schwab and other major brokerages move to integrate digital assets, expectations are rising that Bitcoin and other top cryptocurrencies could see significant upside momentum.