Charles Schwab is moving to offer its financial advisors direct crypto spot trading and custody services, with a target launch by mid-2027. The move marks one of the biggest traditional finance firms to build out native crypto infrastructure for wealth managers. Schwab says the service is aimed at meeting growing demand from advisors who want to help clients allocate to digital assets without relying on external platforms.
A long runway to launch
Schwab is giving itself a multi-year window. Mid-2027 is still about three years out, and the timeline suggests the firm is taking a measured approach to ensure regulatory compliance and operational readiness. For advisors, that means time to prepare — and for Schwab, it allows for a careful build. The company didn't specify which coins or trading pairs would be supported, but it confirmed both spot trading and custody will be part of the package.
What advisors will get
The service combines two core functions: the ability to buy and sell crypto directly, and custody of the assets. That means advisors can handle the entire workflow inside Schwab's existing platform, potentially simplifying reporting, tax calculations, and audits. Currently, many advisors rely on separate crypto exchanges or third-party custodians, adding layers of complexity. Schwab's in-house solution could change that — if it delivers on time.
Why Schwab is moving now
Demand from advisors has been building steadily. Clients are asking about crypto allocations more frequently, and advisors need a compliant way to answer. Schwab's announcement positions it to capture that flow, keeping clients inside its ecosystem rather than pushing them to outside platforms. The firm already offers access to Bitcoin futures and crypto-related ETFs, but this marks the first direct spot offering. The timing also coincides with a broader regulatory push in the U.S. — the SEC and CFTC have been issuing guidance that makes it easier for established players to enter the space. Schwab is betting that by mid-2027, the regulatory picture will be clear enough to launch at scale.
The real test ahead
Execution will be everything. Building a custody platform from scratch is capital-intensive, and Schwab will need to integrate with multiple blockchains, manage private keys securely, and satisfy state and federal regulators. The three-year runway gives it room to iterate, but it also means the crypto market could look very different by then. For now, Schwab's advisors have a clear roadmap — and a reason to start planning.
