Charles Schwab's CEO, Rick Wurster, announced on Thursday, November 6, 2025, that the firm plans to launch cryptocurrency trading in the first half of 2026. The initial focus will be on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), with services rolling out on the Thinkorswim platform, followed by Schwab.com and mobile apps shortly after.
Wurster made the revelation at the firm's annual event for Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), where he highlighted client demand for crypto to sit alongside traditional investments like stocks and bonds. He confirmed that memecoin trading will not be offered, opting to leave that segment to other industry players. Charles Schwab, which manages approximately $11 trillion in client assets, aims to leverage its established resources to provide secure and efficient trading, with direct support for crypto investors.
The initiative is backed by a friendlier regulatory environment under the Trump administration, where agencies like the OCC and FDIC have confirmed that financial institutions can offer crypto trading, custody, and stablecoin services without special approval, as long as risks are managed. Wurster acknowledged that nothing regulatory is preventing the move forward, and Ric Edelman, CEO of the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals, expects further clarity through anticipated legislation in the coming months.
Wurster emphasized a thoughtful approach, stating, "We want to do it thoughtfully. We want to be able to have our own books and records and things like that. That is a completely new build, and we’ve got a group of technologists working on that." The rollout will involve pilot testing with small and large client groups to ensure seamless operations. This positions Schwab in competition with firms like Fidelity and Robinhood, but with the advantage of its vast, trusted client base and deepening relationships with 16,000 RIA companies through its Advisor Services business.
