Office address: 3000 Schwab Way, Westlake, TX 76262
Website: www.schwab.com
Year established: 1971
Company type: non-discretionary investment advisory program
Employees: 35,300+
Expertise: venture capital and private equity, finance, mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, options, futures, bonds, CDs and fixed income, money market funds, cash solutions and rates, annuities, cryptocurrency, brokerage and trading, retirement accounts (IRAs), education and custodial
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Walter Bettinger II (CEO), Charles Schwab (co-chair), Rick Wurster (president), Steve Anderson (managing director), Mike Verdeschi (CFO), Dennis Howard (CIO), Stacy Hammond (CMO), Tim Heier (CTO)
Financing status: N/A
Charles Schwab is a Westlake-based investment services company, known for its innovative approach to investing. The company has over 35,300 employees across more than 420 global locations. As of 2024, Charles Schwab manages over $9.92 trillion in client assets.
Schwab’s subsidiaries provide a full spectrum of services, including brokerage, banking, and financial advisory, challenging traditional Wall Street practices in support of clients.
Founded in 1971 by Charles Schwab, the firm initially offered discounted brokerage services to make investing accessible to more Americans. In 1975, after brokerage fees were deregulated, Schwab seized the opportunity by reducing fees and attracting cost-sensitive investors. The company went public in 1987, further strengthening its reputation in financial services.
The organization led the industry with one of the first online trading platforms, making stock trading more convenient. In 2020, it acquired TD Ameritrade, solidifying its role as one of the top brokerage firms in the country. By 2023, Charles Schwab had become a major financial institution, managing trillions of dollars in assets and adapting to digital finance advancements.
Charles Schwab offers a range of investment, banking, and advisory services designed to support both individual investors and financial professionals:
For over 50 years, Charles Schwab has prioritized accessible investing with transparent pricing and $0 online trades. The firm promises client satisfaction and security from unauthorized activity.
Charles Schwab’s culture centers around client commitment and teamwork. Employees work in a collaborative environment, united by the mission to put clients first and challenge the status quo. Schwab supports staff with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
The company’s environmental initiatives focus on sustainable practices, guided by a commitment to reducing ecological impacts through efficient resource management. Charles Schwab’s ESG goals emphasize sustainable buildings and solar energy initiatives, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency in its environmental performance:
Schwab fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, valuing the unique backgrounds and perspectives of its employees. The firm’s commitment includes various initiatives aimed at broadening opportunities and enhancing representation:
Charles Schwab’s approach empowers employees to make meaningful contributions while advancing professionally. Its focus on innovation and inclusivity defines a work environment that values service and supports employees’ personal growth.
Walter W. Bettinger II serves as the CEO and co-chair of Charles Schwab’s Board of Directors, guiding the company’s strategic direction. Before joining Schwab, Bettinger founded Hampton Pension Services and worked in the pension division of Westfield Insurance. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, Ohio University, and Delta State University.
The executive team at Charles Schwab drives the company’s strategic vision and operations across various departments:
Charles R. Schwab is a founder and co-chairman, shaping company strategy and mission
Rick Wurster serves as president, overseeing client offerings and operational management across Charles Schwab’s service lines
Steve Anderson is a managing director, head of workplace financial services, managing retirement and employee benefit plans
Mike Verdeschi as a managing director and CFO, leads the company’s financial strategy and fiscal oversight
Dennis Howard acts as a managing director and chief information officer, directing technology infrastructure and cybersecurity efforts
Stacy Hammond, serving as managing director and chief marketing officer, spearheads Schwab’s branding and marketing initiatives
Tim Heier as managing director and chief technology officer drives innovation and development of Schwab’s technology platforms
Following its post-migration to TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab has streamlined its services for smoother customer experiences, especially around advisor interactions and digital features. While some advisors seek alternative custodians, the company remains committed to supporting its clients through targeted service enhancements and maintaining its non-competitive stance with advisors. The firm has also bolstered technology upgrades to align with its expanded scale, keeping advisors engaged with improved tools and resources.
In 2024, Charles Schwab was recognized by Wolfe Research as a leading retail broker, supported by robust fundamentals and the strength of rising interest rates. The company’s capital position enables it to pursue growth opportunities, including share buybacks, solidifying its role as a resilient player in the financial sector. Schwab’s client-focused approach, disciplined financial management, and advisor-friendly policies continue to underscore its dedication to success.
Steven Salutric allegedly stole from his clients and gave to his church; barred 'from association with any investment adviser'
Units of Bank of America Corp.'s Merrill Lynch & Co., UBS AG and Bear Stearns Cos. were sued by Charles Schwab Corp. over claims they lied or omitted information on mortgage-backed securities
As a new crop of money managers and investment banks enters the hot market of exchange-traded funds, the challenge already has proved too much for some in a sector where scale is key.
Amid the rather lackluster financial results announced today by the Charles Schwab Corp., the company's RIA custody business continues to shine.
Bank of America Corp. and Wells Fargo are pushing their customers to buy more brokerage, savings and banking services from them as the weak economy and new regulations make it harder to earn money from loans and investment banking.
Bank of America Corp. is re-branding its online-discount-brokerage platform under the Merrill Lynch imprint in an attempt to attract young investors, and reclaim assets of Merrill clients who keep self-directed brokerage accounts at rivals such as Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. and TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.
Citi Personal Wealth Management, the last vestige of retail brokerage at Citigroup Inc. following its spinoff of Smith Barney last June, plans to launch its long-awaited referral program to outside registered investment advisers this summer.
In an age of automation, broker-dealers interested in alternative investments -- hedge funds, LLPs,, non-traded REITs and the like -- still rely on phone calls and faxes to conduct transactions. A new platform could change all that.
The Charles Schwab Corp.'s effort to drum up business in its newly launched stable of exchange-traded funds by waiving commissions for its clients continues to draw intense interest from its competitors and advisers. At two separate conferences Wednesday, questions were raised about Schwab's ground-breaking decision with various levels of concern.
The Charles Schwab Corp. last week announced the launch of six managed portfolios of exchange-traded funds available through a fee-based portfolio advisory program.
Insurer looks to branch out with new products aimed at affluent customers, business owners
Barnaby Grist, senior managing director of strategic business development at Charles Schwab Corp.'s investment advisor group, is leaving to join Cetera Financial Group, a new independent brokerage venture controlled by Lightyear Capital LLC.
Now that it has completed its acquisition of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.'s RIA custody business, RBC Advisor Services is gunning for assets from advisers and breakaway brokers.
The Labor Department is investigating Geller Group LLC for failing to disclose alleged ties to an accounting firm it recommended as an auditor, according to former employees and others close to the investigation.
