Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) is a diversified financial services firm that provides brokerage, banking, wealth management and advisory services to individual investors, independent investment advisors and institutional clients. Its primary offerings include retail brokerage accounts, online trading platforms, Schwab-branded mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), retirement plan services, custodial services for independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), and banking products through Charles Schwab Bank. The company also offers digital advice and automated portfolio management through Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and a range of financial planning and advice solutions.
Founded in 1971 by Charles R. Schwab and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the firm grew from a discount brokerage into one of the largest U.S. wealth-management and brokerage firms. Key milestones in its history include expansion of its product lineup into banking and asset management, development of online and mobile trading platforms, and the strategic acquisition of TD Ameritrade, which closed in 2020 and significantly expanded Schwab’s retail client base and technology capabilities. The company operates a suite of asset-management and custody businesses that support both its retail clientele and third‑party advisors.
Charles Schwab serves primarily U.S. customers while also supporting institutional and advisory relationships internationally through custody and trading services. Its client base spans self-directed retail investors, clients seeking advisory relationships and financial planning, and independent advisors who rely on Schwab’s custody, technology and operational platforms. The firm was founded by Charles R. Schwab, who has played an ongoing role in the company’s development, and long-tenured senior executives have overseen its operations and strategic initiatives as it expanded its product offerings and distribution channels.