Charles Schwab, one of America’s leading financial services firms, is making a big move into crypto. CEO Rick Wurster has confirmed that Schwab plans to launch direct spot cryptocurrency trading within the next 12 months. If all goes according to plan, the new service could be live by April 2026.
This step comes as Charles Schwab responds to increasing interest from clients and ongoing changes in the regulatory environment. While the company already offers access to crypto-linked ETFs, closed-end funds, and Bitcoin futures, the addition of direct spot crypto trading marks a bold new chapter.
A Rising Demand for Crypto
Wurster said the decision to expand into spot crypto trading is backed by strong client demand. In fact, Charles Schwab’s crypto-related web pages saw a 400% jump in traffic recently. Even more interesting, 70% of these visitors were potential clients, not current Schwab customers.
“We’re seeing strong engagement across our crypto ETFs and Bitcoin futures,” Wurster shared. “That traffic spike shows us that interest is not only growing but coming from people who may soon join Schwab.”
The company sees this as an opportunity to convert crypto-curious visitors into loyal clients, especially as more investors look for trusted platforms in the volatile crypto space.
Record-Breaking Engagement in Q1
The first quarter of 2025 proved to be one of the most active in Schwab’s history. The firm recorded two all-time highs in daily trading volume during April. One of these record days followed an announcement from former President Donald Trump, who paused tariffs, a move that shook the markets. That day alone, Charles Schwab handled 14 million trades.
This surge in trading was also matched by a rise in new retail accounts. Wurster said account openings doubled, and cash reserves grew, even during the usual tax-season outflows. Schwab’s reputation as a “safe port” during market turbulence continues to attract cautious but active investors.
A Mixed Economic Backdrop
Despite the strong performance, Schwab is operating in a tough macroeconomic environment. CFO Mike Verdeschi said the firm expects up to four interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2025. While this might help the economy, it could hurt Schwab’s net interest margins—a key source of profit.
However, Charles Schwab is staying strong. In Q1, the company reported $5.6 billion in revenue, up 18% from the previous year. This growth was supported by solid cash inflows and lower high-cost debt.
Big Asset Growth and TD Ameritrade Integration
One of the biggest drivers of Schwab’s recent success is the smooth integration of TD Ameritrade. Schwab completed the merger recently, and the benefits are already clear. In Q1, core net new assets rose 44% to $138 billion. A large part of this growth came from former TD Ameritrade users.
Interestingly, legacy Ameritrade clients are now adopting Schwab’s systems and contributing to growth. These users are performing at half the growth rate of traditional Schwab clients, which the firm considers a positive step forward. Client satisfaction is also rising as these users become more familiar with Schwab’s tools and services.
Future Focus: AI, Branches, and Spot Crypto
Looking ahead, Charles Schwab is balancing growth and efficiency. The company plans to open 16 new branches while investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve customer service and reduce operational costs.
At the same time, the company remains confident in its ability to ride out market swings. Wurster emphasized Schwab’s strong reputation and diverse revenue sources. These qualities, he said, make the firm well-prepared for both good and bad market conditions.
As for crypto, Charles Schwab is pushing ahead with plans to launch direct spot trading – a service that would allow clients to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly on its platform. This move depends on how U.S. regulators shape the rules around digital assets in the coming months.
“Our expectation is that with the changing regulatory environment, we’re likely to launch direct spot crypto within the next 12 months,” Wurster stated. “We’re on a great path to do that.”
What This Means for Investors
Charles Schwab’s entry into the spot crypto market is a major development. Until now, many traditional financial firms have been cautious about offering direct crypto services. But with demand growing and the rules becoming clearer, firms like Schwab see a chance to gain a competitive edge.
By launching spot crypto trading, Schwab will be able to serve clients who want a mix of traditional and digital assets, all on one platform. This could appeal to both young, tech-savvy investors and older clients who are now exploring crypto for the first time.
A Strategic Move at the Right Time
Timing is everything in business, and Charles Schwab’s 12-month countdown to spot crypto trading looks well planned. With market interest rising, strong internal performance, and clearer crypto rules on the horizon, the firm is positioning itself to lead in a new era of finance.
By April 2026, investors could be trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies directly through their Schwab accounts. If successful, this move could not only reshape Schwab’s future but also bring more trust and structure to the wider crypto industry.
As Wurster put it, “We’re confident in our ability to navigate the ups and downs of the market, and crypto is a big part of where we’re headed next.”
Conclusion
Charles Schwab is entering a new phase – one where traditional finance and crypto meet. With clear demand, strong Q1 numbers, and a 12-month plan in motion, Schwab is betting big on the future of digital assets. If everything goes as planned, by this time next year, Schwab could be one of the biggest traditional firms to offer direct spot crypto trading, changing how millions of Americans invest.
