Schwab launches crypto spot platform by 2026

Charles Schwab is preparing to launch a crypto spot trading platform, aiming to revolutionise the industry by 2026.

Charles Schwab, a leading financial institution, is preparing to launch its own spot cryptocurrency trading platform by the end of next year as digital assets gain more and more mainstream recognition.

This recent move by a prominent name in mainstream finance highlights the continued growth in demand for cryptocurrency investment options.

Charles Schwab enters the crypto space

Schwab CEO Rick Wurster shared a positive view of the firm's expected regulatory progress during a recent financial results call, highlighting how this could facilitate their full entry into cryptocurrency trading.

He said:

"Our expectation is that as the regulatory environment changes, we are confident and likely able to launch a direct cryptocurrency spot trading service," he said during the spring update with analysts. "Our goal is to do this within the next 12 months, and we are on track to do so."

Swab's strategic plan would allow them to offer direct access to spot cryptocurrency trading, putting them in direct competition with established exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance.

Currently, Schwab provides exposure to the crypto market through Bitcoin futures and crypto ETFs, but the ability to trade directly would greatly expand their digital asset offerings.

Wurster reported a significant increase in customer interest in current cryptocurrency-related offerings in recent months.

Wurster highlighted the growing focus on digital assets by showing that crypto content on the company's site has seen a 400% increase in visits. The majority of hits came from users who were not already Schwab clients, suggesting a large market potential for cryptocurrency investments.

Rick shows an optimistic view of the crypto industry, in line with the Trump administration's current work to develop a well-defined regulatory system for digital assets. The pace of legislative progress and oversight in crypto has increased significantly from previous years, with major regulatory bodies such as the SEC at the forefront.

If regulatory developments continue at the current pace, Schwab could launch its spot trading platform by mid-2026.

The firm sees its established and trusted reputation in traditional finance as an important strategic advantage in the process of expanding into the nascent cryptocurrency market.

While awaiting developments, Schwab is acting as the gatekeeper for Truth.Fi, a digital investment platform developed by Trump Media and Technology Group. Truth.Fi aims to offer a range of crypto products such as Bitcoin, separately managed accounts and other digital asset-related instruments.

Industry leaders have expressed strong interest in Schwab's possible entry into cryptocurrency spot trading. The CEO of asset management firm Bitwise, Hunter Horsley, described this move by the broker as a key step ('milestone') towards integrating cryptocurrencies into the mainstream financial system.

Rachael Horwitz, Chief Marketing Officer of Haun Ventures, shared this view, calling on Schwab to also explore collateralised lending in crypto as a possible product that shows the increasing complexity and variety in digital asset markets.