Charles Schwab plans to launch spot cryptocurrency trading and full custody services for financial advisors in 2027 [2].
This move represents a significant shift in the digital asset landscape by bringing a traditional financial powerhouse into direct competition with specialized crypto-custody providers. By integrating these services, Schwab aims to capture a larger share of advisor-managed assets as digital currencies become more mainstream in diversified portfolios.
The rollout is expected to arrive in roughly 18 months [1]. This timeline provides a window for current market leaders, specifically Coinbase Prime, before they face intensified competition for the advisor book of business [1].
The crypto initiative is not an isolated project but part of a broader strategy. Schwab is currently executing a custody push valued at $5 trillion [3]. This expansion suggests the firm is positioning itself as a primary hub for both traditional and digital wealth management.
In related efforts to grow its ecosystem, the company has also focused on its advisor referral program. That program has targeted assets under management at the $500 million level [4].
By offering spot trading and custody, Schwab allows financial advisors to manage crypto assets without requiring their clients to move funds to external exchanges. This integration reduces friction for advisors, and simplifies the reporting process for high-net-worth individuals. The move signals a transition where crypto custody is no longer a niche offering but a standard component of institutional wealth management.
“Schwab plans to launch spot crypto trading and full custody services for financial advisors in 2027”
The entry of Charles Schwab into the crypto-custody market validates the institutionalization of digital assets. By leveraging its massive existing advisor network and $5 trillion custody goal, Schwab could shift the balance of power away from native crypto exchanges like Coinbase and toward traditional brokerage firms that offer a single, consolidated platform for all asset classes.
