Charles Schwab is acquiring Forge Global, a platform for private shares, for $660 million. The deal values Forge's shares at $45 each, a significant 72% premium over their last closing price. This acquisition responds to increasing demand from investors for access to pre-IPO companies, a trend that many financial institutions are eager to capitalize on. Following the announcement, Forge's stock jumped 67% in morning trading. Schwab, managing around $11.6 trillion in client assets, views this move as a strategic expansion into alternative investments. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026. J.P. Morgan Securities acted as the advisor for Schwab, while Financial Technology Partners advised Forge's board. The growing interest in early-stage investments highlights a shift in how investors are looking to diversify their portfolios.