Schwab Targets Early 2026 for BTC and ETH Trading as Markets Cool After Rebound

Charles Schwab’s plan to launch spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading in early 2026 lands just as both coins cool after a sharp rebound. While prices slipped only slightly on the day, the move still highlights how traditional finance is stepping in as crypto grinds through a cautious recovery phase. Schwab Targets Early 2026 for Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading Charles Schwab plans to open spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to its clients in early 2026, marking its first direct move into retail crypto markets. The company confirmed the timeline through comments from CEO Rick Wurster, who said the rollout will begin with a limited pilot before expanding to broader access. Schwab manages more than ten trillion dollars in client assets, so the planned launch signals a major shift for one of the largest U.S. brokerage firms. The company has offered crypto-related products through custodial partners, yet it has not previously allowed customers to buy or sell spot Bitcoin or Ethereum inside Schwab accounts. Wurster noted that the firm is preparing the required infrastructure and compliance layers while monitoring ongoing regulatory adjustments. He added that the phased rollout aims to ensure stable operations before expanding to the full client base. The first phase will involve internal users and a small group of customers to test order flow and risk controls. The move positions Schwab alongside other traditional financial institutions that have begun integrating digital assets into their platforms. As regulatory clarity improves and demand from long-term investors grows, the company plans to use its existing brokerage rails to support spot crypto trading once the service goes live in 2026. Bitcoin and Ethereum Cool After Sharp Rebound Bitcoin slipped slightly on the day, with BTC/USD closing near 93,301 dollars after opening around 93,460 dollars on Bitstamp. The move translates into a modest daily drop of about 0.18%. Bitcoin Daily Chart. Source: TradingView Price still trades well below the 50-day exponential moving average near 98,482 dollars, so the broader downtrend remains in place even after the recent rebound from November’s lows. However, buyers managed to hold most of last week’s gains, and the candle’s small body shows more of a pause than a clear rejection so far. Ethereum followed a similar path. ETH/USD ended the session near 3,182.8 dollars, down from an open around 3,189.3 dollars, for a daily decline of about 0.20%. Ethereum Daily Chart. Source: TradingView Here too, price stays under the 50-day EMA at roughly 3,360.6 dollars, which still slopes downward and signals that sellers keep the larger trend under pressure. At the same time, ETH continues to trade above its recent lows, so the latest red candle works more like a short breathing point after a sharp bounce than a full reversal of momentum.