Traditional banks, brokerages and payment companies are increasingly integrating cryptocurrency into familiar financial services. Their strategies range from direct Bitcoin trading to stablecoin payments, allowing customers to access digital assets without necessarily opening accounts at specialist exchanges.
Charles Schwab began rolling out Schwab Crypto in May 2026, offering eligible American customers direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading alongside conventional investments. In August, the brokerage announced plans to add Solana, Avalanche and Chainlink.
Schwab charges 0.75% per trade and provides cryptocurrency education and round-the-clock customer support. Its offering excludes residents of New York and Louisiana, while crypto deposits and withdrawals were unavailable at launch. The expansion shows how established brokerages are competing for investors who prefer familiar platforms.
Morgan Stanley began piloting spot cryptocurrency trading through E*Trade in May 2026, targeting a platform serving approximately 8.6 million clients. Reports placed its transaction fee at 0.50%, below Schwab's stated rate.
The bank also promotes digital asset exchange-traded products, which provide price exposure through conventional brokerage accounts without requiring investors to manage private keys. These products differ from direct ownership as customers hold securities rather than the underlying cryptocurrency.
Interactive Brokers advertises cryptocurrency commissions between 0.12% and 0.18% of transaction value, subject to a minimum charge. Its September 30 comparison estimated USD 1.80 in costs for a USD 1,000 cryptocurrency transaction, versus USD 5 for E*Trade and USD 7.50 for Schwab.
The broker offers cryptocurrency alongside stocks, bonds, futures and funds. Execution and custody services are supplied by specialist partners, including Paxos and Zero Hash, indicating how traditional firms can outsource technical infrastructure.
In September 2026, SoFi announced a partnership with Kraken's parent, Payward. The arrangement connects Kraken to SoFi's round-the-clock dollar settlement network and provides SoFi with additional cryptocurrency trading liquidity through Kraken Prime.
Kraken also agreed to list SoFiUSD, SoFi's dollar-backed stablecoin. The partnership shows how financial institutions are exploring cryptocurrency access alongside payments, settlement and treasury services rather than treating trading as an isolated product.
Despite broader availability, cryptocurrency prices remain volatile, and direct holdings generally lack the deposit insurance protecting conventional bank balances. Fees, custody arrangements, supported tokens and withdrawal rights also vary between providers.
Traditional platforms may simplify onboarding and portfolio management, but wider distribution does not eliminate market risks. Their long-term success will depend on transparent pricing, secure custody, regulatory compliance and whether customers value cryptocurrency services alongside existing financial products.
For investors, comparing total costs and asset ownership arrangements is therefore as important as platform convenience.
Also Read: Why South Korea is Tightening Access to Overseas Crypto Exchanges
1. How are traditional financial platforms offering cryptocurrency access in 2026?
Traditional financial platforms are introducing direct cryptocurrency trading, digital asset investment products, custody services and blockchain-based payments. Companies including Charles Schwab, Morgan Stanley, Interactive Brokers and SoFi are expanding their cryptocurrency offerings.
2. What cryptocurrency trading services does Charles Schwab offer?
Charles Schwab began rolling out direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading through Schwab Crypto in May 2026, charging a 0.75% transaction fee. The brokerage also announced plans to expand support to Solana, Avalanche and Chainlink.
3. How is Morgan Stanley expanding cryptocurrency access through E*Trade?
Morgan Stanley began piloting spot cryptocurrency trading through E*Trade in May 2026, targeting approximately 8.6 million clients. The platform's reported transaction fee is 0.50%, allowing eligible investors to trade cryptocurrencies alongside traditional investments.
4. What are Interactive Brokers' cryptocurrency trading fees?
Interactive Brokers advertises cryptocurrency commissions ranging from 0.12% to 0.18% of transaction value, subject to minimum charges. The brokerage uses specialist partners, including Paxos and Zero Hash, for cryptocurrency execution and custody services.
5. Why are traditional banks and brokerages expanding into cryptocurrency?
Traditional financial institutions are responding to growing demand for digital assets while exploring additional revenue opportunities through trading, custody and blockchain payments. Integrating cryptocurrency into established platforms can simplify access, although market volatility, custody risks and regulatory requirements remain important considerations.
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