Schwab Plans to Ramp Up, Expand RIA Lending Options for Clients

Ortolani, A. (2026, January 21). Schwab plans to ramp up, expand RIA lending options for clients. Wealth Management. https://www.wealthmanagement.com/ria-news/schwab-plans-to-ramp-up-expand-ria-lending-capabilities-to-clients

·       Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster announced plans to significantly increase lending capabilities for registered investment advisors (RIAs) to better compete with wirehouse banking services.

·       The expansion is driven by direct feedback from advisors who identified more robust banking and lending options as their primary request for the custodial platform.

·       Schwab’s Pledged Asset Line, which allows clients to borrow against non-retirement assets, serves as the foundation for this growth following an 85% increase in originations over the past year.

·       Ultra-high-net-worth clients are a specific target for these enhanced loan opportunities, as only 9% of this segment currently utilizes Schwab’s existing lending products.

·       The firm intends to leverage its banking capabilities to support the fiduciary independence of RIAs while providing them the tools to match the integrated service models of large Wall Street rivals.

·       Management suggested that increasing access to liquidity through lending will attract more net new assets and encourage high-net-worth clients to consolidate their holdings at Schwab.

·       The company is considering long-term mergers and acquisitions to further broaden its service offerings and private market liquidity options for both RIA and retail clients.