Move gives more than 50 million clients access to regulated digital-asset funds for the first time
Vanguard, one of the world’s largest asset managers, will begin allowing clients to trade a selection of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds and mutual funds starting Tuesday — a sharp reversal from its long-standing opposition to digital-asset products. The shift reflects sustained investor demand and brings crypto exposure to a platform serving over 50 million accounts.
A Vanguard spokesperson confirmed the policy change, noting that crypto ETFs meeting regulatory standards — including those tied to Bitcoin, Ether, XRP and Solana — will be available through third-party providers. The firm emphasized that digital assets will be treated similarly to commodities such as gold and underlined that it has no plans to launch its own crypto products or make memecoin-related offerings available.
“We serve a very broad investor base, each with different goals and risk appetites,”
Vanguard manages more than $11 trillion globally and has historically distanced itself from crypto due to concerns about volatility. Former CEO Tim Buckley publicly questioned the place of Bitcoin ETFs in retirement portfolios, and incoming CEO Salim Ramji — previously head of BlackRock’s ETF division — echoed that caution as recently as August.
Analysts say the latest pivot marks a meaningful shift for one of the industry’s most conservative giants. “When a firm of this scale changes course, it signals a recognition that digital assets have staying power,” one market strategist remarked. Another consultant described the move as “a milestone that could normalize crypto exposure for everyday investors.”
While opinions vary on the broader market impact, the decision puts Vanguard more squarely in line with a financial sector increasingly willing to integrate regulated crypto products.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.