Vanguard has made a significant policy shift by allowing its brokerage clients to trade cryptocurrency-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds on its platform. This move represents a major reversal for the investment giant, which had previously maintained one of the strictest anti-crypto stances among major financial institutions. By opening access, Vanguard is giving more than 50 million customers the opportunity to gain exposure to regulated digital-asset investment products.
Under the new policy, clients will be able to trade a range of crypto-linked ETFs that track assets such as Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and other top-tier cryptocurrencies. Importantly, Vanguard is not launching its own crypto ETFs; instead, it will permit only approved third-party funds that meet strict compliance, regulatory, and risk-management standards. Products tied to highly speculative tokens, meme coins, or extremely volatile assets will continue to be restricted.
For years, Vanguard had strongly opposed cryptocurrency investment products. The firm’s leadership consistently argued that digital assets were too speculative, too volatile, and too unpredictable to fit within Vanguard’s long-term, conservative investment philosophy. This stance made Vanguard an outlier at a time when other major asset managers — including BlackRock, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton — embraced crypto ETFs and saw massive inflows.
However, the landscape surrounding digital assets has evolved. Institutional interest in regulated crypto exposure has grown dramatically, and client demand has continued to rise. Many investors now view crypto ETFs as safer entry points into the digital-asset market due to their regulated structure and transparent reporting. Vanguard appears to have recognized this shift and adjusted its approach to better align with the expectations of modern investors.
The decision also reflects broader changes in the financial industry. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and other regulated crypto products has helped bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. As more regulated investment vehicles enter the market, firms that previously avoided crypto are revisiting their policies to remain competitive and meet client demand.
Source: Eric Balchunas
By allowing crypto ETF trading, Vanguard is giving its clients more flexibility and greater control over their investment choices, while still maintaining its standards around risk and product quality. This marks a major step in the integration of digital assets into mainstream investing and signals that even the most conservative institutions are acknowledging the growing role of crypto in today’s economy.
Source: Cointelegraph Edited by Sonarx