Vanguard is finally opening its doors to Bitcoin and other crypto-linked ETFs, allowing millions of retail investors to trade regulated digital asset funds on its platform for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Vanguard will now allow trading of Bitcoin and other crypto ETFs and mutual funds on its brokerage platform, reversing a long-standing anti-crypto policy.
- The shift opens regulated crypto access to more than 50 million customers managing over $11 trillion in assets.
- While supporting most regulated crypto funds, Vanguard will not launch its own crypto products and will continue to exclude meme coin-related funds.
- The move follows surging demand and widespread adoption of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which collectively manage up to $120 billion in assets since January 2024.
What Happened?
Vanguard Group, the world’s second-largest asset manager, has begun allowing its brokerage customers to trade ETFs and mutual funds tied to cryptocurrencies. This marks a significant shift from its previous stance that digital assets were too volatile and speculative for long-term portfolios.
The change follows mounting pressure from both retail and institutional investors as crypto ETFs continue to surge in popularity and assets under management.
Vanguard *finally* caves…
— Nate Geraci (@NateGeraci) December 1, 2025
Will now allow spot crypto ETF trading on brokerage platform.
Includes btc, eth, xrp, & sol ETFs.
However, Vanguard reiterates that they have *no* plans to launch own spot crypto ETFs.
via @emily_graffeo pic.twitter.com/QFvF8BZTWt
Vanguard’s Crypto Pivot
Starting this week, Vanguard’s brokerage platform will support ETFs and mutual funds that primarily invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and Solana. This move reflects a broader trend of mainstream financial institutions embracing regulated crypto investment vehicles.
According to Andrew Kadjeski, head of brokerage and investments at Vanguard, the decision was driven by both maturing administrative infrastructure and evolving investor demand. He noted:
Vanguard’s platform currently serves over 50 million customers who collectively manage more than $11 trillion in assets. Opening access to crypto ETFs gives these investors an easier way to gain digital asset exposure without the need to directly buy or store cryptocurrencies.
No In-House Crypto Products Yet
Despite this dramatic policy shift, Vanguard has no plans to launch its own crypto ETFs or mutual funds. The firm said it will continue to treat crypto ETFs the same way it treats niche asset classes like gold, offering access but not developing proprietary products.
Importantly, Vanguard will not support funds linked to meme coins or those that don’t meet U.S. regulatory standards, echoing concerns previously raised by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Institutional Momentum and Market Growth
The move aligns Vanguard with competitors like BlackRock, whose iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) remains the largest spot Bitcoin ETF with around $70 billion in assets, down from a peak of $100 billion earlier this year.
According to SoSoValue, since their debut in January 2024, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have amassed nearly $120 billion in assets, while Ether ETFs have reached almost $20 billion. Even amid recent price pullbacks, crypto ETFs remain one of the fastest-growing segments in U.S. fund history.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
I’ll be honest: this is a massive win for crypto adoption. In my experience, whenever a legacy giant like Vanguard changes course, it signals a deep shift in market sentiment. For years, Vanguard resisted crypto as too risky. Now, they’re not only tolerating it but actively enabling access to regulated crypto funds. That’s not just a policy change, it’s a full-blown institutional validation. I found this move especially exciting because it shows how investor demand is reshaping even the most conservative corners of finance. Crypto is no longer a fringe play. It’s now part of the core conversation.
