Charles Schwab is set to open advisory offices in 30 upscale markets, deploying 300 advisors by the end of the year. This expansion follows the success of a pilot program and positions Schwab as a direct competitor to many of its own Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) clients. Schwab's competitive edge includes relatively low fees, ranging from 30 to 80 basis points for full-service offerings. The move is seen as a significant shift in the advisory landscape, with some industry insiders describing it as a "wake-up call" for existing advisors.