NEW YORK — In a move that signals the deepening fusion between traditional finance and digital assets, Charles Schwab, one of America’s largest asset managers with more than $7 trillion under management, is preparing to roll out crypto trading by early 2026. The announcement marks a major turning point for millions of investors who have long awaited a bridge between Wall Street and the crypto world.
Rick Wurster, CEO of Charles Schwab, confirmed the timeline during a recent podcast appearance, where he also highlighted the company’s robust performance and the growing client appetite for exposure to digital assets. Until now, Schwab had limited itself to indirect crypto exposure through derivatives and thematic exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
That changes in 2026. Schwab’s upcoming platform will offer direct access to cryptocurrencies, a move that could redefine investor behavior in the mainstream market.
For years, the company had been testing the waters with products like the Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF, launched in 2022. The ETF tracks an index of blockchain-linked companies and served as a testing ground for gauging compliance, custody, and operational processes before opening a full-fledged trading desk.
By stepping into direct trading, Schwab joins a competitive field already populated by Fidelity and Robinhood, both of which have integrated crypto products into their retail offerings. But Schwab’s size, reputation, and regulatory rigor give it a distinct advantage — a “TradFi” powerhouse entering a space once dominated by startups.
A Step Toward Crypto Mainstreaming
Interest among Schwab’s clientele has been steadily climbing. The firm has seen rising traffic across its digital content related to crypto and increasing inflows into blockchain-themed funds. As the demand solidifies, Schwab’s entry looks less like a gamble and more like a strategic evolution.
“Client demand is clear,” said one company insider familiar with the plans. “Our clients want safe, transparent, and compliant access to digital assets — and we’re ready to deliver that.”
Industry observers believe Schwab’s move could catalyze broader adoption. The company already has millions of verified users with completed KYC checks, known funding sources, and integrated tax reporting — all of which simplify the onboarding process.
In the short term, Schwab’s entry is expected to deepen market liquidity and drive fee competition. Over the longer term, analysts anticipate a wave of adjacent financial services — from digital custody to yield-bearing accounts — being integrated under one institutional umbrella.
Part of a Bigger Shift
Schwab’s decision aligns with a growing shift across U.S. finance, as major institutions gradually fold digital assets into their broader offerings. It also coincides with a more accommodative regulatory environment, as Washington edges closer to establishing comprehensive frameworks for digital asset management.
For Schwab, this isn’t just a product launch — it’s a signal. The boundaries between traditional and digital finance are fading, and the firm intends to be at the heart of that convergence.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are high-risk assets. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. You could lose all or part of your capital.
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