Vanguard, one of the world’s largest asset managers with $9.3 trillion under management, is considering offering clients access to crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), according to a Bloomberg report.
A Shift From Its Traditional Stance
The move would mark a significant change for Vanguard, which has historically steered clear of digital assets. Unlike BlackRock and Fidelity, both of which have already launched spot Bitcoin ETFs, Vanguard has so far resisted direct exposure to crypto.
Bloomberg sources say the company is exploring ways to let brokerage clients invest in third-party crypto ETFsthrough its platform — without issuing its own crypto products.
Growing Pressure From Competitors and Clients
Rival asset managers have seen billions in inflows from newly approved U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) becoming one of the fastest-growing ETFs in history. Client demand and competitive pressure are reportedly driving Vanguard’s reassessment.
In a January statement, Vanguard reiterated its cautious approach:
“We continue to believe crypto is a highly speculative asset class,” the firm said at the time.
The latest reports suggest that while Vanguard is still wary of launching its own product, it may allow clients to access the crypto market through ETFs issued by competitors.
What’s Next
No timeline has been announced, and the firm has not confirmed any product lineup. But if Vanguard opens the door to crypto ETFs, it would represent another milestone in the mainstream adoption of digital assets by traditional finance.
