Asset manager Vanguard, a longtime crypto skeptic managing ~$12 trillion, is hiring a Head of Digital Assets to develop a multi-year strategy. The move signals a significant shift from its January 2024 decision to block Bitcoin ETFs, a stance that was partially reversed in December 2025 when it allowed trading of third-party crypto funds. The new executive will explore tokenization and custody, though Vanguard says it still has no plans for its own crypto products.
Head of digital assets search
- ▪Vanguard has opened a search for a Head of Digital Assets, a senior role within its Personal Wealth division
- ▪This is reportedly the first time Vanguard has sought to hire a professional specifically to work on cryptocurrency strategy
Digital asset strategy responsibilities
- ▪The new executive will be responsible for developing a multi-year digital asset roadmap for Vanguard
- ▪The role's responsibilities include evaluating tokenization, stablecoins, digital wallets, custody, and blockchain-based settlement
- ▪The new hire will advise senior leadership on market developments and help decide whether to build, partner, or delay entry into parts of the digital asset market
Regulatory representation duties
- ▪The Head of Digital Assets will represent Vanguard in discussions with regulators and industry groups
- ▪The new executive is expected to help influence "market standards" for digital assets
Vanguard's cryptocurrency history
- ▪Vanguard, which manages approximately $10-12 trillion in assets, has historically been a prominent skeptic of cryptocurrencies
- ▪Vanguard's CEO Salim Ramji joined in July 2024 from BlackRock, where he led the iShares unit that launched a major spot Bitcoin ETF
- ▪In January 2024, Vanguard blocked its brokerage clients from accessing newly launched spot Bitcoin ETFs
Recent platform changes
- ▪The December 2025 policy change gave over 50 million Vanguard brokerage clients access to funds holding assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana
- ▪In December 2025, Vanguard reversed an earlier stance and began allowing clients to trade third-party cryptocurrency ETFs and mutual funds
- ▪Despite the new hire, Vanguard maintains it has no plans to launch its own proprietary crypto investment products
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