Schwab to Add Crypto Trading and Custody for Advisors by 2027

Charles Schwab plans to enable financial advisors to buy, sell and hold digital assets such as bitcoin and ethereum on its brokerage platform, with a target launch by mid-2027.

“We are aiming to launch crypto spot trading and custody services for financial advisors by mid-2027,” Jalina Kerr, head of advisor experience, said. Kerr added the firm will build regulated custody and compliance systems before that date.

The offering would combine trade execution, secure storage and compliance controls within Schwab’s existing infrastructure for advisor clients in the United States. Schwab intends the service for advisors managing client accounts on its platform.

Delivering spot trading and custody requires secure execution systems, custody technology to protect private keys and client assets, and expanded compliance, reporting and risk-disclosure frameworks that meet broker-dealer and fiduciary standards. Schwab’s timeline reflects the work needed to create those systems and controls.

Custody is a central element of the plan because secure storage and control of assets are key to investor protection and regulatory compliance in crypto markets. Offering custody on its platform would reduce advisors’ reliance on outside custodians and link crypto holdings directly to clients’ other investment accounts.

Demand from advisors and clients, especially younger investors and high-net-worth individuals, has increased interest in regulated ways to include digital assets in diversified portfolios. Many advisors currently point clients to third-party crypto exchanges or limit exposure to crypto through funds and exchange-traded products.

If launched, the service would allow advisors to include crypto holdings in model portfolios, performance reporting and in trust and retirement accounts that Schwab supports. The firm plans to test operational resilience and compliance before making the service available.

U.S. regulators have increased scrutiny of crypto custody, market integrity, disclosures and investor safeguards. Schwab’s mid-2027 target gives the company time to align systems and policies with regulatory expectations.

Other large financial firms have introduced spot bitcoin ETFs, institutional trading services and custody products in recent years. Schwab’s advisor-focused offering would add a regulated route for advisors to manage client crypto alongside traditional assets.