Charles Schwab to Launch Direct Crypto Trading Within a Year

Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster has announced plans to introduce direct cryptocurrency spot trading within the next 12 months. The move, driven by evolving U.S. crypto regulations, would allow millions of Schwab clients to buy digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through their brokerage accounts.

This marks a significant shift for the financial services giant, which manages over $7 trillion in assets. Wurster’s statement aligns with growing interest in crypto integration across traditional finance, especially as regulatory clarity improves. The initiative was first hinted at last year, though no timeline was previously confirmed. ETF analyst Nate Geraci had emphasized that Schwab’s entry into crypto could be a game-changer for the industry.

Charles Schwab has been cautiously entering the crypto space. In 2022, it launched the Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF, offering investors exposure to companies tied to the crypto economy rather than direct access to digital assets. Former CEO Walt Bettinger cited unclear regulations as a primary reason for holding back direct offerings. However, the shifting regulatory landscape appears to be clearing the path.

Schwab’s entrance into direct crypto trading will further legitimize digital assets in mainstream finance and increase competition with platforms like Coinbase, Robinhood, and Fidelity, which already offer crypto trading. As more traditional brokerages explore crypto services, investor access and adoption are expected to accelerate.

This development is another sign of Wall Street's increasing embrace of cryptocurrency, underscoring the growing demand for integrated, regulated digital asset investment options. Schwab’s planned rollout could set a new standard in the brokerage industry by making crypto trading more accessible to retail and institutional investors alike.