Charles Schwab Adds Solana, Avalanche, Chainlink Trading

Charles Schwab announced on August 27, 2026, plans to add Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), and Chainlink (LINK) to its retail crypto trading platform in the coming months, expanding its digital asset offerings beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum for its 39.9 million client accounts [1, 2]. The move provides Schwab clients with more choices for digital asset allocation, though the firm emphasizes it is a distribution plan, not a direct investment in the tokens by Schwab itself [1, 2].

Schwab's Expanded Crypto Offering

Schwab Crypto began rolling out to retail clients in May 2026, initially offering direct Bitcoin and Ether trading through its website, mobile app, and thinkorswim platform [1, 2]. The latest announcement extends this to SOL, AVAX, and LINK, which will be available for clients to buy and sell in their Schwab Crypto accounts in the coming months [1, 2]. Trades on Schwab Crypto will incur a fee of 75 basis points, or 0.75% of the dollar value of each trade [1].

As of July 31, 2026, Schwab held $13.04 trillion in client assets across its 39.9 million active brokerage accounts [1]. However, Schwab Crypto is not available in all U.S. states, specifically excluding New York and Louisiana, and is not offered in U.S. territories or internationally [1, 2]. The platform operates through Charles Schwab Premier Bank, with Charles Schwab & Co. performing operational functions [1, 2]. Schwab CEO Rick Wurster noted that the firm added 1.4 million new brokerage accounts and $120 billion in core net new assets in Q2 2026, but did not specify crypto-related revenue or adoption [1].

Token Performance and Catalysts

The announcement coincided with a significant governance vote for Solana (SOL) on August 27, concerning proposals SIMD-0550 and SIMD-0553, which aim to overhaul SOL tokenomics by cutting future emissions and increasing burns [1]. Estimates for the potential impact on future SOL supply varied among outlets, with figures ranging from roughly $1.36 billion to $1.5 billion in future emissions cut [1]. SOL traded at $106.4 as of 14:43 UTC on August 28, 2026 [1].

While some reports linked SOL's intraday jump of 13% on August 27 to the joint news, the verified figures show SOL up 17.22% over one week and 49.27% over one month, but down 11.72% year-to-date and 48.77% over the past year [1]. AVAX traded at $7.43, down 69.8% year-over-year, and LINK at $11.84, down 52.47% year-over-year [1]. The tokenomics vote directly impacts SOL's supply, whereas the Schwab listing provides a new distribution channel without obligating Schwab or its clients to purchase the tokens [1].

What to watch

• Solana Governance Vote Implementation: Monitor whether SIMD-0550 and SIMD-0553 pass and are implemented, as these proposals directly affect SOL's supply [1].
• Schwab Listing Activation: Track when Schwab officially makes SOL, AVAX, and LINK live for trading on its platform [1].
• Crypto Revenue Disclosure: Watch for any future earnings releases from Schwab that might break out crypto-specific revenue lines or trading volumes, which would indicate the material impact of these listings [1].

The expansion provides Schwab with a defensive product line, potentially retaining active clients who might otherwise use crypto-native platforms like Coinbase or Robinhood, and offers a high-margin revenue stream from its 0.75% per-trade fee [1]. For the tokens, the listing provides a marketing headline and broader access through a regulated brokerage, but does not guarantee increased demand or direct investment from Schwab itself [1].