Vanguard’s $10T Pivot: Crypto ETFs Enter Brokerage Offerings

* Vanguard to offer access to third-party cryptocurrency ETFs to brokerage clients * Rising client interest and regulatory advancements spur the $10 trillion asset manager’s strategic shift On September 26, 2025, Cryptopolitan reported that Vanguard is preparing to provide its brokerage clients with access to third-party cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This decision marks a notable departure from Vanguard’s traditionally conservative stance on digital assets, driven by increasing client demand and significant regulatory advancements in the cryptocurrency sector. Under CEO Salim Ramji, who took the role in 2024, Vanguard is exploring opportunities to address client interest in regulated crypto products. While the company has not announced plans for its own proprietary ETFs, it intends to integrate select third-party products into its brokerage platform. This strategy is influenced by Ramji’s previous success at BlackRock, where he spearheaded the launch of the highly successful iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), a fund that has accumulated over $60 billion in net inflows since its January 2024 introduction. This strategic pivot comes as the digital asset market evolves, bolstered by increasing regulatory clarity and institutional adoption. BlackRock’s competitive success with its crypto ETFs highlights the growing appeal of these investment vehicles. The iShares Bitcoin Trust, for instance, recently attracted $79 million in inflows while some competitors experienced fund withdrawals. Clearer regulatory guidelines are emerging, as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are actively working toward alignment. A planned joint regulatory roundtable for cryptocurrencies is anticipated to further bolster market confidence. Vanguard’s move mirrors broader institutional trends in cryptocurrency adoption, as leading financial entities like Morgan Stanley are also broadening their crypto service offerings. By mid-2026, a partnership with blockchain infrastructure provider Zerohash will allow Morgan Stanley’s E*Trade platform to offer retail clients trading in Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana. The demonstrated success of regulated crypto products underpins this institutional enthusiasm. For example, spot Bitcoin and Ethereum funds introduced in the last year have collectively drawn over $70 billion in inflows, underscoring strong investor interest in cryptocurrency ETFs. According to CoinMarketCap, as of 16:09 UTC on September 26, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $109,270.76, reflecting a 2.13% decrease in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH) holds at $3,962.17 after a 1.03% decline.