Schwab Launches Spot Bitcoin, Ethereum Trading in Q2 2026
Charles Schwab's cryptocurrency page now displays a "coming soon" message as the brokerage giant prepares to offer direct spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. CEO Rick Wurster confirmed the limited rollout will begin in Q2 2026, with broader expansion to follow.
Key Takeaway
A ₱738.4 trillion ($12.2 trillion) brokerage entering spot crypto trading marks the biggest institutional endorsement since the ETF approvals.
A cryptocurrency page under Schwab's "Investment Products" dropdown now shows a "Schwab Crypto is coming soon" message, signaling the firm's move into direct crypto trading.
CEO Rick Wurster told Barron's in early March that the spot crypto offering would start with a limited rollout in the second quarter, with larger expansion to follow. Interested parties can sign up for updates and potential early access.
Only U.S. residents are eligible, with New York and Louisiana residents excluded from the signup form. The firm previously cited regulatory clarity concerns before expanding crypto offerings. Schwab currently offers crypto exposure through exchange-traded products and crypto-related stocks like Coinbase.
Wurster also said during an earnings call that stablecoins are likely to play a role in transacting on blockchains and that's something the firm wants to offer. Schwab shares closed at ₱5,675.37 ($93.77) on Thursday, up 1.5%, with the company reporting a 19% year-over-year gain in trading activity.
Bitcoin traded at ₱4,046,903 ($66,864) on Friday, down 18.5% year-over-year. Ethereum hit ₱124,196 ($2,052), down 59% from its peak set last August.
This article was written based on reporting from Decrypt.
