Charles Schwab confirms it will launch spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2026, initiating a phased rollout of its crypto business.

Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster recently confirmed at the Reuters Next conference in New York that the $12 trillion giant will officially launch spot trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in the first half of 2026. According to the plan, the new service will first be tested internally among company employees, then rolled out to a small group of clients, and eventually expanded to all users in a phased approach.

Wurster stated that Schwab will proceed cautiously with cryptocurrency trading to ensure system stability and regulatory compliance. After the initial pilot, the platform will gradually expand participation, providing digital asset trading services to a broader range of investors. This strategy not only reduces technical risks but also helps ensure a smooth integration into Schwab’s vast traditional financial system.

Regarding business expansion, Wurster emphasized that the company is actively preparing for more acquisition opportunities, particularly focusing on strategic acquisitions that can enhance client experience and product functionality. He stated that Schwab is open to acquiring crypto-related companies, provided the valuations are reasonable and aligned with the company’s long-term strategy. No specific targets have been disclosed, nor was it confirmed whether negotiations are underway.

On the market side, Schwab’s plan to offer spot Bitcoin trading has drawn industry attention to its pricing strategy. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas pointed out that fees will be a key competitive factor. Since Schwab already offers commission-free stock and ETF trading, if its crypto trading fees are below 50 basis points, it could put significant pressure on crypto exchanges. He also noted that while crypto ETFs have fees, their spreads are lower compared to spot trading, which still makes them competitive.

Schwab has also recently expanded its footprint through acquisitions, including the $660 million purchase of private equity trading platform Forge Global to meet client demand for trading in pre-IPO companies. Meanwhile, as the market recovers, Schwab’s trading activity in the fourth quarter was significantly higher than the rest of the year, with both client assets and trading revenue hitting record highs.

The company’s move into the crypto market signals that traditional financial giants are accelerating their embrace of digital assets, bringing more institutional-level liquidity and competition to the crypto industry.