Charles Schwab, one of the largest brokerage firms in the United States, is set to introduce spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum, significantly expanding its presence in the digital asset market. The move is part of a broader strategy to offer clients seamless access to crypto trading alongside traditional assets.
Schwab Clients Demand Integrated Crypto Solutions
According to the company’s leadership, Schwab clients already hold more than 20% of the industry’s crypto ETP (Exchange-Traded Product) exposure, but much of their direct crypto holdings remain outside Schwab’s ecosystem. Clients reportedly manage only 1%–2% of their digital assets through Schwab, while 98% of their total wealth remains in-house.
“Our clients want to consolidate their crypto with us. They trust Schwab as their financial partner,” Schwab’s CEO said.
With approximately $10.8 trillion in total client assets, Schwab currently sees only about $25 billion allocated to crypto, signaling significant room for growth.
Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot Trading to Launch Soon
The company plans to enable spot trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum within its brokerage platform in the near future. A launch window of April 2026 was previously hinted at, but the growing pace of crypto adoption and regulatory clarity may accelerate this timeline.
This strategic rollout would allow Schwab to directly compete with platforms like Coinbase, offering investors a more integrated experience.
Spot trading functionality will allow clients to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ethereum directly, in contrast to indirect products like ETFs or mutual funds.
Regulatory Changes Empower Traditional Financial Institutions
The upcoming launch comes in the wake of key regulatory changes in 2025. The FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve rolled back post-FTX restrictions, enabling regulated banks and brokerages to participate in custody, trading, and crypto-related services.
Schwab already offers crypto ETFs, Bitcoin options, and hybrid investment funds, and the addition of direct spot trading reflects a growing commitment to digital assets.
Institutions Accelerate Crypto Allocations in 2025
A March 2025 survey of institutional investors showed that 83% plan to increase their crypto exposure, with assets like XRP and Solana gaining traction beyond Bitcoin and Ether. Schwab’s platform is now positioned to capture this demand by providing direct access to major cryptocurrencies.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.