Major financial firm sets sights on direct cryptocurrency exchange debut for top coins by mid-year.

In a significant expansion of its digital asset offerings, financial services powerhouse Charles Schwab is poised to introduce spot cryptocurrency trading in the first half of 2026. This strategic move will further solidify the company's presence in the crypto market, with a spokesperson confirming that the rollout is on schedule to commence with support for bitcoin and ether.

As part of its preparations, Charles Schwab has established a priority access waitlist for its forthcoming "Schwab Crypto" account, which will enable clients to seamlessly buy and sell the two most prominent cryptocurrencies through Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB. This development aligns with comments made by CEO Rick Wurster in July of the previous year, in which he expressed the company's intention to launch crypto trading capabilities in response to growing client interest.

By integrating cryptocurrency trading into its existing platform, Charles Schwab aims to create a more holistic investment experience, where digital assets are presented alongside traditional assets like stocks and bonds. The company's substantial scale, with $11.9 trillion in client assets reported in 2025, positions it to make a significant impact in the crypto market, leveraging its vast user base of retail and institutional investors who may prefer the familiarity and convenience of trading cryptocurrencies within a reputable brokerage environment.

Notably, Charles Schwab has already laid the groundwork for its crypto ambitions, having introduced exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to cryptocurrencies and enabled the trading of bitcoin futures on its platform. Additionally, the company has launched the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index (STCE), a specialized ETF designed to track the performance of companies closely linked to the digital asset sector, demonstrating its commitment to providing a comprehensive range of crypto-related investment opportunities.