Article Summary

Charles Schwab, one of America's largest traditional brokerages, will launch spot cryptocurrency trading in the first half of 2026, marking a pivotal moment for mainstream crypto adoption. This strategic move positions Schwab to compete directly with established crypto platforms like Coinbase and Binance, while attracting younger investors seeking Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital asset exposure through traditional investment channels. The announcement signals a seismic shift in the traditional investment landscape, as legacy financial institutions embrace blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities. Schwab's entry into spot crypto trading could accelerate institutional adoption, potentially driving significant price movements across major cryptocurrencies and expanding market liquidity. This development follows growing demand from retail investors for seamless cryptocurrency integration within traditional portfolios. By offering spot trading rather than just crypto ETFs or futures, Schwab provides direct blockchain asset ownership, appealing to the growing demographic of crypto-native investors. The move reinforces cryptocurrency's evolution from speculative investment to legitimate asset class, potentially influencing other major brokerages to expedite their own digital asset offerings and reshape the broader financial services industry.