Does Charles Schwab Trade Crypto: Latest Updates

Does Charles Schwab trade crypto? This question is top of mind for many investors seeking secure, regulated access to digital assets. As of June 2024, Charles Schwab does not yet offer direct spot cryptocurrency trading, but recent announcements signal major changes ahead. This article explores Schwab’s crypto plans, the regulatory landscape, and what it means for mainstream adoption.

Schwab’s Crypto Trading Plans: What’s Changing?

As of June 2024, Charles Schwab has not enabled spot crypto trading for its clients. However, according to Schwab CEO Rick Wurster, the $11.6 trillion brokerage will allow customers to trade spot Bitcoin and Ethereum in the first half of 2026 (source: Coin Edition, Nov. 5, 2025). This move will provide millions of Schwab users direct, in-platform access to the two largest digital assets, all within a trusted brokerage environment.

Schwab’s announcement follows a wave of regulatory updates in 2025. The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) clarified that national and FDIC-supervised banks can offer crypto custody, trading, and stablecoin services without prior approval, provided they maintain proper risk controls. This policy shift removed a key barrier for large financial institutions, enabling Schwab to build its own crypto trading infrastructure rather than relying on external exchanges.

Regulatory Shifts and Institutional Adoption

The regulatory clarifications in early 2025 marked a turning point for U.S. banks and brokerages. By eliminating the “ask us first” requirement, regulators signaled a more open stance toward digital assets, provided institutions adhere to existing laws and risk management standards. Schwab’s decision to launch spot crypto trading is seen as a direct response to this new clarity.

Analysts note that Schwab’s entry into crypto trading reflects growing institutional confidence in digital assets. With $11.6 trillion in client assets, Schwab’s move is expected to accelerate mainstream acceptance of crypto within the regulated financial sector. Market observers anticipate that other major wealth platforms will follow suit, further integrating blockchain-based tools into traditional finance.

It’s important to note that, as of the latest updates, Schwab’s crypto offering will initially focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum. No specific launch date has been confirmed, but the first half of 2026 is the target window for rollout.

What Investors Should Know: Security, Access, and Alternatives

For investors, Schwab’s upcoming crypto trading platform promises several advantages:

• Regulated Environment: Trading will occur within Schwab’s established brokerage platform, offering familiar security and compliance standards.
• Direct Access: Clients will be able to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum without needing to transfer funds to external crypto exchanges.
• Mainstream Integration: Schwab’s move is expected to bring digital assets closer to traditional portfolios, making crypto more accessible to a wider audience.

Until Schwab’s platform goes live, investors interested in crypto trading can explore other regulated options. For those seeking a secure and user-friendly experience, Bitget offers a comprehensive suite of crypto trading services, including spot, futures, and copy trading. Bitget’s platform is designed for both beginners and experienced traders, with robust security measures and a global user base.

Additionally, users looking for self-custody solutions can consider Bitget Wallet, which provides secure storage and easy access to a wide range of digital assets.

Common Misconceptions and Risk Considerations

As crypto trading becomes more mainstream, it’s important to address common misconceptions:

• Not All Brokerages Offer Crypto: While Schwab is preparing to launch crypto trading, many traditional brokerages still do not support direct digital asset transactions.
• Regulation Matters: Trading crypto through regulated platforms like Schwab or Bitget can offer greater security and consumer protections compared to unregulated venues.
• Volatility Remains: Even with institutional adoption, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum remain highly volatile. Investors should assess their risk tolerance and stay informed about market developments.

Always verify the latest updates from official sources and avoid making decisions based solely on rumors or social media posts.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto Trading at Schwab

Schwab’s planned launch of spot crypto trading in 2026 is one of the clearest signs yet that digital assets are becoming part of mainstream investment portfolios. As regulatory frameworks evolve and more institutions enter the space, investors can expect greater access, improved security, and enhanced integration of crypto with traditional financial products.

For those eager to start exploring crypto today, Bitget provides a regulated, beginner-friendly platform with a wide range of trading options and educational resources. Stay tuned for further updates as Schwab’s crypto rollout approaches, and consider diversifying your digital asset journey with trusted platforms like Bitget.

Further explore the world of crypto trading, discover Bitget’s latest features, and prepare for the next wave of institutional adoption.