Charles Schwab, one of the largest financial services firms in the United States managing over $10 trillion in client assets, is preparing to enter the direct cryptocurrency trading market. CEO Rick Wurster confirmed during the company’s 2025 Spring Business Update that Schwab aims to launch spot crypto trading within the next 12 months—pending a favorable shift in the U.S. regulatory landscape.
This move signals a major step toward mainstream financial integration of digital assets and reflects growing investor demand for trusted, regulated access to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Strategic Expansion into Digital Assets
Schwab has long maintained a cautious but watchful stance on crypto. However, increasing client interest and evolving market dynamics have accelerated its plans. The firm is now actively developing infrastructure and compliance frameworks to support direct spot trading of cryptocurrencies.
“Our expectation is that with the changing regulatory environment, we are hopeful and likely to be able to launch direct spot crypto—and our goal is to do that in the next 12 months,” said CEO Rick Wurster. “We’re on a great path to be able to do that.”
This statement reaffirms comments Wurster made in a Bloomberg Radio interview last November, where he first hinted at Schwab’s readiness to enter the crypto space as soon as regulations allow. With speculation mounting over potential policy shifts in 2025, particularly around digital asset oversight, Schwab appears poised to act quickly when the window opens.
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Growing Client Demand and Market Readiness
The decision isn’t driven by hype—it’s rooted in tangible user behavior. Schwab has observed a 400% increase in traffic to its crypto-related web content over recent months. More notably, 70% of these visitors are new prospects, not existing clients, indicating strong external interest in Schwab’s potential role in the crypto ecosystem.
“As people in the industry are thinking about crypto, they’d love to work with a trusted brand and a firm that can bring them a lot of capabilities—and we’re that firm,” Wurster emphasized.
Currently, Schwab offers exposure to digital assets through crypto-linked ETFs and Bitcoin futures contracts. While these products provide indirect access, they fall short of meeting the demand for direct ownership—a gap competitors like Robinhood and Webull have already begun filling.
By introducing spot crypto trading, Schwab would offer clients full custody and control over their digital assets, enhancing both usability and investor confidence.
Competitive Positioning in a Rapidly Evolving Market
The brokerage industry is undergoing a transformation as digital assets become a core component of investment portfolios. Firms that fail to adapt risk losing market share to more agile platforms.
Schwab’s entry into spot trading wouldn’t just expand its product suite—it would elevate its status as a comprehensive wealth management provider. With its reputation for security, low fees, and customer service, Schwab could become a preferred gateway for traditional investors looking to dip into crypto without relying on decentralized or unregulated exchanges.
Moreover, integrating spot trading could boost platform engagement, attract younger demographics, and increase overall asset retention by offering a one-stop shop for both traditional and digital investments.
Truth.Fi Partnership: A Broader Vision for Financial Inclusion
Beyond internal development, Schwab is also advancing its digital strategy through strategic partnerships. Earlier in 2025, it announced a collaboration with Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) to launch Truth.Fi, a new financial services brand aimed at delivering investment solutions aligned with specific economic values.
Under this initiative:
- Schwab will act as custodian for up to $250 million in assets.
- Investments will focus on American growth sectors: manufacturing, energy, and companies supporting what TMTG calls the “Patriot Economy.”
- Product offerings may include ETFs, separately managed accounts (SMAs), and eventually direct Bitcoin and crypto holdings.
While Truth.Fi operates as a distinct brand, the partnership underscores Schwab’s willingness to innovate and cater to niche markets seeking alternatives to mainstream financial institutions.
This expansion aligns with broader trends of financial platforms embedding ideological or community-driven values into their services—a model gaining traction among politically engaged investors.
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FAQ: Your Questions About Schwab’s Crypto Plans—Answered
Q: When will Charles Schwab start offering spot crypto trading?
A: The company aims to launch within the next 12 months, contingent on favorable U.S. regulatory developments. No official date has been set yet.
Q: Will Schwab allow direct ownership of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin?
A: Yes—once launched, spot trading will enable clients to buy, sell, and hold actual digital assets, not just derivatives or ETFs.
Q: How does Schwab’s approach differ from Robinhood or Coinbase?
A: Schwab emphasizes trust, compliance, and integration with traditional financial planning tools. Its users benefit from decades of experience in wealth management and regulatory adherence.
Q: Is Schwab building its own crypto wallet or exchange?
A: Details remain undisclosed, but given its custodial role in other ventures (like Truth.Fi), Schwab is likely developing secure storage solutions in-house or via trusted partners.
Q: Will Schwab support multiple cryptocurrencies or just Bitcoin?
A: While Bitcoin is expected to lead the rollout, Wurster has not ruled out adding other major coins like Ethereum in the future, depending on demand and regulation.
Q: Can non-U.S. residents use Schwab’s crypto services?
A: Initially, any crypto offerings will likely be limited to U.S.-based clients due to compliance requirements.
Core Keywords Driving This Shift
- Spot crypto trading
- Charles Schwab
- Bitcoin futures
- Crypto ETFs
- Regulatory environment
- Digital asset investment
- Financial services innovation
- Crypto market accessibility
These keywords reflect both investor search intent and the strategic themes shaping Schwab’s roadmap. They naturally align with queries such as “when will Schwab offer crypto trading” or “is Charles Schwab getting into Bitcoin,” making them essential for SEO visibility.
Final Thoughts: Bridging Traditional Finance and Digital Wealth
Schwab’s planned entry into spot crypto trading marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of legacy finance and blockchain-based assets. With $10 trillion under management and millions of trusting clients, its influence could significantly boost crypto legitimacy and adoption.
For investors, this means greater convenience, enhanced security, and seamless integration between stocks, bonds, and digital currencies—all within a single, regulated platform.
As regulatory clarity improves and infrastructure matures, firms like Schwab are no longer asking if they should embrace crypto—but how fast they can deploy it responsibly.
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