Charles Schwab is preparing to bring spot cryptocurrency trading directly to its retail clients, marking a significant expansion of its digital asset capabilities.
The firm said its new offering, Schwab Crypto, will begin rolling out in phases over the coming weeks, giving investors the ability to trade bitcoin and ethereum alongside their existing portfolios.
The launch is designed to integrate crypto investing into Schwab’s broader platform, combining trading access with research, education, and client support. The company emphasized that the service will sit within the same ecosystem as its existing brokerage, banking, and wealth management tools.
Interest in crypto assets among large financial services firms has recently been shown by Franklin Templeton’s acquisition of a crypto shop and the plan to launch Franklin Crypto, UBS reportedly considering allowing crypto trading for its wealthy clients in its Swiss homeland and Morgan Stanley’s bitcoin-tracking ETP launch.
“We know our clients want to conduct more of their financial lives at Schwab,” said Jonathan Craig, Head of Retail Investing at Charles Schwab. “With Schwab Crypto, clients who want direct access to the asset class can trade it alongside their other investments, while benefiting from the service, education, and research they expect from us.”
The initial rollout will focus on the two largest cryptocurrencies by market value, with plans to expand the offering over time. The company is also positioning the platform as more than just a trading tool, pairing execution capabilities with educational resources and professional guidance to help investors better understand digital assets.
Schwab’s move follows growing client demand for direct crypto exposure. In a recent survey cited by the firm, investors highlighted transparent pricing, trusted brands, and strong security as the most important considerations when choosing a crypto provider.
By embedding crypto trading into its existing infrastructure, Schwab is aiming to offer a more unified experience—allowing clients to view and manage digital assets alongside traditional investments without leaving the platform.
The rollout signals another step in the broader convergence between traditional finance and digital assets, as large brokerages continue to expand their offerings to meet evolving investor preferences.
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