Charles Schwab, one of America's largest brokers managing over $12.2 trillion in client assets, plans to launch spot cryptocurrency trading, transfers, and custody services for institutional clients by mid-2027. Financial advisors will gain the ability to manage crypto assets alongside traditional investments for their clients, marking a significant expansion of the firm's digital asset strategy.
The institutional rollout represents the next phase of Schwab's cryptocurrency infrastructure build-out, following its earlier introduction of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for retail customers. The move positions the brokerage to capture growing institutional demand for direct crypto exposure and integrated portfolio management as digital assets become more embedded in wealth management workflows.
By enabling advisors to manage crypto holdings within existing client relationships, Schwab aims to reduce friction in institutional adoption of digital assets. The mid-2027 timeline signals the firm's methodical approach to regulatory compliance and operational readiness, particularly around custody and transfer mechanisms—critical requirements for institutional-grade crypto services in the U.S. market.