Charles Schwab announced on April 3, 2026, that it will launch a platform for direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading within client brokerage accounts. The service, called Schwab Crypto, will begin a phased rollout with select clients this quarter following internal testing. The move by the firm, which manages over $12 trillion, signals a significant acceleration in institutional cryptocurrency adoption amid improving regulatory clarity.
Charles Schwab is launching a platform that will allow clients to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum directly inside their brokerage accounts. The announcement confirmed a phased rollout beginning with select clients this quarter after internal testing is complete.
The platform will be implemented through the firm’s banking division to facilitate safe operation. CEO Rick Wurster stated that the firm intends to use a staged approach to ensure systems are ready before broader availability.
This direct trading capability marks a shift from the firm’s previous offerings of crypto-related ETFs and equities. It provides a stronger position for the firm within the growing trend of institutional crypto adoption.
Charles Schwab manages over $12 trillion in assets and serves nearly 46 million clients globally. The move confirms an ongoing movement toward digital asset services among major financial firms.
For example, Morgan Stanley is planning to launch crypto trading on its E*Trade platform. Furthermore, EDX Markets, which is backed by Charles Schwab, is requesting approval from U.S. regulators for a national bank charter.
The introduction adds competitive pressure among traditional finance firms entering the crypto space. Analysts note the timing reflects rising regulatory clarity and sustained institutional demand for digital asset services.
