Charles Schwab to Launch Spot Crypto Trading Platform by 2026

One of Wall Street’s most trusted names is making a major move into crypto. Charles Schwab, the U.S.-based brokerage giant managing trillions in assets, is gearing up to launch a spot cryptocurrency trading platform within the next 12 months a shift that could bring digital assets even closer to the financial mainstream.

Crypto Trading Coming to Schwab

In a recent earnings call, Schwab CEO Rick Wurster shared the firm’s ambitious plan to roll out direct crypto trading — pending progress on U.S. regulatory clarity.

“We’re hopeful that with the changing regulatory environment, we’ll be able to launch direct spot crypto. Our goal is to do that in the next 12 months, and we’re on a great path,” Wurster said.

If successful, Schwab would join the ranks of platforms like Coinbase and Binance by offering users the ability to trade cryptocurrencies directly, not just through futures or ETFs. That would be a huge leap from its current offerings, which include Bitcoin futures and crypto-related investment products.

Growing Demand from Non-Customers

What’s driving Schwab’s crypto push? According to Wurster, interest in crypto content on the firm’s platform has exploded — with visits up 400%. Perhaps more telling, 70% of that traffic is from people who aren’t even Schwab clients yet.

It’s a clear signal that retail appetite for digital assets is growing — and Schwab doesn’t want to be left behind.

The move also reflects a larger trend: traditional finance is finally warming up to crypto, especially with the shift in regulatory tone under the Trump administration. Lawmakers and agencies like the SEC are moving faster on digital asset regulation, making it more feasible for firms like Schwab to get involved.

Schwab’s Quiet Moves in Crypto So Far

Though it hasn’t made as much noise as some fintech players, Schwab has already been laying groundwork in the space. The firm currently serves as custodian for Truth.Fi, a new investment platform backed by Trump Media and Technology Group, which plans to offer Bitcoin, separately managed crypto accounts, and other digital products.

This behind-the-scenes involvement could give Schwab an edge as it prepares to step into full-fledged crypto trading.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

The announcement hasn’t gone unnoticed in the crypto world. Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley called Schwab’s move a “milestone” in bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.

Meanwhile, Rachael Horwitz, CMO at Haun Ventures, urged Schwab to think even bigger:

“Schwab should implement crypto-collateralized lending as part of its banking services next,” she suggested.

With crypto platforms continuing to mature and regulation finally catching up, Schwab’s entry could mark a turning point for retail investors looking for secure, familiar on-ramps into digital markets. If all goes as planned, 2026 might be the year Schwab goes full crypto.