Charles Schwab

At the turn of the century, Charles Schwab and other full service firms are confronted with the hard fact of competition from discount service firms, significantly reduced entry barriers and industry consolidation across the spectrum of financial services. For the first decade of the new millennium, Schwab with its large network of branches and associated costs has to review its strategies to retain market share and ensure growth with profitability (Esperson, 2000, HBS Case study # 9-700-043).