Emre Yumlu 
One of the largest financial institutions in the United States, Charles Schwab, is preparing to take a significant step toward integrating digital assets into traditional finance. Managing more than $12 trillion in client assets, the firm has revealed its clearest commitment yet to the crypto market. CEO Rick Wurster announced at the Reuters Next conference in New York that Schwab plans to offer spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading during the first half of 2026. The move represents a major milestone in the broader trend of legacy financial companies expanding access to digital asset markets.
A Phased Rollout to Manage Risk by Schwab
According to Wurster, Schwab does not intend to launch the service to all clients at once. Instead, the company will adopt a gradual deployment strategy. The spot trading platform will first be tested internally among employees. Following this preliminary stage, the service will enter a limited pilot phase involving a select group of clients. This method reflects Schwab’s long-term focus on risk management and controlled expansion when adopting new financial products.
Wurster also noted that the firm remains open to merger and acquisition opportunities going forward. Schwab is actively monitoring companies capable of enhancing customer value and providing meaningful economies of scale. While he did not specify targets within the crypto sector, he emphasized that the company would consider acquisitions in the space if the strategic fit and pricing were appropriate.
Fee Structure Sparks Industry Discussion
The upcoming spot Bitcoin offering has already prompted discussion regarding Schwab’s potential fee model. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted that Schwab currently provides commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, suggesting that introducing a low-cost fee structure for Bitcoin could pressure existing crypto exchanges. He indicated that a commission of under 50 basis points could become an important competitive factor across the industry.
Schwab’s Growth Moves Continue
Schwab’s digital asset initiative comes on the heels of its recent agreement to acquire private-market platform Forge Global for $660 million. The acquisition aims to expand client access to pre-IPO companies and aligns with Schwab’s broader strategy of diversifying investment opportunities. Wurster added that trading activity in the final quarter of 2025 exceeded earlier levels in the year, while client asset growth outpaced expectations due to market gains.
Charles Schwab’s entry into crypto signals a meaningful shift in traditional finance’s engagement with digital assets. As 2026 approaches, the firm’s move may help accelerate institutional adoption and mark the beginning of a more integrated financial ecosystem.
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