Charles Schwab Opens Waitlist for Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading with Early 2026 Launch Target

Charles Schwab has officially opened a waitlist for direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, targeting a launch in early 2026. The financial giant currently manages $12.22 trillion in client assets across 38.9 million active brokerage accounts. This move marks a significant shift for Schwab investors, who previously accessed digital assets only through ETFs, futures, and crypto-related equities. However, the service will initially be unavailable to residents in New York and Louisiana due to regulatory considerations. While the waitlist is live, the company has yet to disclose its specific fee structure or custody arrangements for the digital assets. The initiative represents a major step toward institutional adoption, providing a concrete path for direct spot market access.