News: Charles Schwab is preparing to offer spot trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum through dedicated accounts linked to its banking subsidiary, slated for launch in the first half of 2026. The platform will initially be limited, excluding features like external deposits, self-custody withdrawals, staking, recurring purchases, and limit orders. Schwab clients already represent over 20% of all crypto exchange-traded products. E*Trade, owned by Morgan Stanley, is also planning to offer spot trading in Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana through a partnership with Zerohash.
AI Analysis: Schwab's cautious approach, with limited features and a phased rollout, suggests a focus on regulatory compliance and risk management as they enter the direct crypto trading space. This move validates the growing demand for crypto exposure among traditional investors.
