Charles Schwab acquired Forge Global to integrate the platform and provide retail investors greater access to pre-IPO shares.
| Acquirer | Charles Schwab (US) |
| Target | Forge Global (US) |
| Deal Value | Undisclosed |
| Stake Acquired | 100.0% |
| Type of Deal | Acquisition |
| Date Announced | Not disclosed |
| Closing Date | 2026-03-01 |
| Buy-Side Financial Advisors | Not disclosed |
| Sell-Side Financial Advisors | Not disclosed |
| Legal Buy-Side Advisors | Not disclosed |
| Legal Sell-Side Advisors | Not disclosed |
Charles Schwab, a leading financial services firm, has acquired Forge Global to enhance retail investors' access to pre-IPO shares. This strategic move aims to integrate Forge's platform into Charles Schwab’s offerings, thereby providing a wider range of investment opportunities for its clients.
Deal Mechanics
The acquisition terms were not disclosed, but the deal closed on March 1, 2026. Details regarding financial advisors and legal counsel involved in this transaction are also undisclosed at this time.
Strategic Rationale
Charles Schwab’s decision to acquire Forge Global aligns with a broader trend of large financial institutions expanding their footprint into the pre-IPO market, which PitchBook estimates to be worth over $120 billion. By integrating Forge's platform, Schwab aims to offer its retail investors more direct access to private company shares prior to initial public offerings (IPOs).
Financial Context
The surge in secondary trading of pre-IPO shares reflects a growing demand for alternative investment opportunities among high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. As venture-backed companies stay private longer, the appetite for early-stage equity has intensified, making platforms like Forge Global increasingly valuable.
Advisors
The financial advisors on both sides of the transaction remain undisclosed at this time.
Outlook
The acquisition is expected to bolster Charles Schwab’s position in the burgeoning pre-IPO market, potentially setting a new standard for democratizing access to venture capital investments. The integration of Forge Global will be closely monitored as it expands retail investors' opportunities beyond traditional public markets.