Charles Schwab is really getting serious this time! This traditional brokerage giant, managing $11.6 trillion, suddenly announced that it will open up Bitcoin and Ethereum trading in early 2026.

Let’s talk about the scale—$11.6 trillion, folks, that’s more than the entire current cryptocurrency market combined. A player of this size entering the market can cause waves with just a flick of their finger.

And look at the timing. Early 2026—this isn’t just talk; it’s a formal declaration of war. In the traditional brokerage world, anyone who doesn’t transform will be left behind. While JPMorgan and Fidelity are still on the sidelines, Schwab is charging ahead.

What’s even more important is the follow-up strategy. Bitcoin and Ethereum are just the entry point. Once the compliance channel is open, staking, lending, and derivatives—a full suite of products—will surely follow. At that point, for traditional stock investors, Schwab will be the first teacher introducing them to crypto.

But let’s stay calm and think:

First, 2026 is still more than a year away. There are too many variables in between, so don’t pop the champagne just yet.

Second, big institutions aren’t coming in for charity. Trading fees, custody fees, management fees… every charge will be packaged as “professional.”

Third, retail investors in this game are mostly there to serve as proof of compliance traffic. When the giants are feasting, it’s not even certain we’ll get a sip of the soup.

Do you think the large-scale entry of traditional institutions is a boon or a trap for the crypto market? My advice: instead of blind optimism, ask yourself if your portfolio can hold out until then.

This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.