Schwab Expands Crypto Trading to Altcoins Amid Regulatory Shifts

Charles Schwab has expanded its direct crypto trading service to include three major altcoins: Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), and Chainlink (LINK). This move follows regulatory shifts in the US, with the SEC and CFTC issuing joint interpretive guidance in March 2026 identifying these assets as digital commodities rather than securities.

The addition of these altcoins is expected to lower barriers for mainstream retail capital. With approximately $13.08 trillion in client assets across nearly 40 million active brokerage accounts, Charles Schwab represents a massive gateway for institutional and retail wealth.

Schwab's decision to expand beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum was heavily influenced by the regulatory consensus. By selecting assets that align with this framework, Schwab is positioning itself as a compliant platform for mainstream investors seeking diversified crypto exposure.