Schwab plans spot Bitcoin trading for clients by April 2026

Charles Schwab Corp CEO Rick Wurster has set a target to launch spot Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) trading services for clients by April 2026, responding to a reported 400% surge in traffic to the company’s crypto website.

Wurster described the initiative as a direct response to growing investor interest in digital assets and a strategic move to integrate cryptocurrency trading into Schwab’s traditional financial offerings.

“Our expectation is that with the changing regulatory environment, we are hopeful and likely to be able to launch direct spot crypto. Our goal is to do that in the next 12 months, and we are on a great path to be able to do that,” Wurster said, reflecting optimism about the regulatory outlook for digital assets.

Schwab currently provides access to crypto exposure through ETFs, closed-end funds, and futures contracts, but the planned spot trading service would allow clients to buy and sell Bitcoin directly.

This shift is seen as part of a broader trend among established financial institutions moving to meet client demand for digital asset products and services.

Wurster, who became CEO in 2025, has previously indicated that Schwab was waiting for more regulatory clarity before offering direct crypto trading.

He cited recent developments, including the approval of the first Bitcoin ETF in January 2025 and the re-election of Donald Trump, as factors contributing to a more favorable regulatory environment.

In January 2025, Schwab partnered with Trump Media and Technology Group to provide customised exchange-traded funds and cryptocurrency services for the forthcoming “Truth.Fi” platform, which aims to combine digital assets and traditional financial services as an alternative to legacy banking.

Wurster has also acknowledged his personal lack of cryptocurrency holdings, stating he felt “silly” for not investing earlier given the asset class’s notable gains.

Despite this, he has emphasised Schwab’s commitment to expanding digital asset services in response to client demand and evolving market conditions.

At the time of reporting, the Bitcoin (BTC) price was $87,409.33.