Wells Fargo expands Wall Street trading business after asset cap removal

13 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 29

Wells Fargo’s average trading-related assets surged over 40% year-over-year in Q1 2026, reaching just under $400 billion, following its release from a Federal Reserve-imposed asset cap.
The bank also reported a 19% rise in trading revenue, outpacing rivals’ asset growth, though the expansion weighed on its net interest margin in the first quarter.
Wells Fargo aims for a 17–18% return on tangible common equity, but faces stiff competition and potential market volatility as it seeks to catch up with larger Wall Street peers.

What is the bank's high-stakes bet to win over the world's most powerful hedge funds?

After a decade sidelined, can Wells Fargo truly challenge Wall Street's established titans?

Is Wells Fargo's Wall Street push a savvy comeback or a repeat of past mistakes?

Beyond capital, what is Wells Fargo's secret weapon in the Wall Street tech race?

With regulatory shackles off, can CEO Charlie Scharf deliver Wall Street's elite returns?