Vanguard seeks digital assets chief after years of crypto caution

Vanguard is hiring a head of digital assets as the asset manager builds a broader strategy for blockchain-based finance. The job posting says the role will lead Vanguard Personal Wealth’s digital assets strategy, roadmap, and execution. The executive will help decide how Vanguard evaluates, builds, partners, or holds back on digital asset products and infrastructure.

The role covers tokenization, stablecoins, wallets, custody models, blockchain-based settlement, and operating systems for digital assets. Vanguard also wants the executive to represent the firm with regulators, clients, industry groups, and market participants.

The hiring stands out because Vanguard has long taken a cautious line on crypto products. The firm did not join rivals that launched spot Bitcoin ETFs after U.S. approval in 2024. Chief Executive Salim Ramji said in 2024 that Vanguard would not launch crypto ETFs. He said, “I’m not going to copy competitors,” while adding that the firm should remain consistent with its long-term investing approach.

Vanguard later softened access rules for some clients. In December 2025, the firm said it would allow most third-party cryptocurrency ETFs and mutual funds on its brokerage platform after reviewing market liquidity, fund operations, and investor demand.

ETF analyst Nate Geraci noted the contrast on X after the job post appeared. He wrote that Vanguard had once blocked spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs on its brokerage platform, adding, “Life moves pretty fast.” *Vanguard* hiring Head of Digital Assets… I remember when they blocked spot $btc & $eth ETFs on their brokerage platform. Life moves pretty fast. pic.twitter.com/cVAXxTraw3

The job post points more toward tokenization and market infrastructure than a simple crypto fund launch. It asks for knowledge of stablecoins, custody, wallets, settlement, blockchain operating models, and regulated financial environments. That focus fits a broader shift among large asset managers.

Franklin Templeton and Ondo Finance launched tokenized ETFs designed for 24/7 trading through crypto wallets outside the U.S. Franklin Templeton has also expanded its BENJI tokenized money market fund. As crypto.news reported, the firm added BENJI access through MoonPay Trade for institutional users moving between stablecoins and tokenized fund products.

State Street has also entered the same area. As previously reported, the firm launched a stablecoin reserve money market fund and a tokenized liquidity product for on-chain cash management.

Data from RWA.xyz shows the tokenized real-world asset market remains a growing part of digital finance. The platform currently lists about $30.87 billion in distributed asset value and about $14.86 billion in tokenized U.S. Treasuries. Tokenized Treasury products remain one of the clearer use cases because they connect short-term government debt with blockchain settlement.

BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, WisdomTree, Ondo Finance, and Fidelity-linked products all compete in this area. Vanguard has not said it plans to launch its own crypto ETF or tokenized fund. The job post instead shows that the firm wants a senior executive to study product design, risk controls, custody, servicing, pricing, and client education.