Vanguard Hires First Head of Digital Assets After Crypto Skepticism

Vanguard has initiated its search for a Head of Digital Assets, who will manage the cryptocurrency and blockchain finance strategy for the $12 trillion asset management firm. Located in Dallas, this position will direct the digital assets strategy for Vanguard Personal Wealth, focusing on product assessment and blockchain settlement. This move comes after Vanguard's earlier skepticism towards cryptocurrencies, labeling Bitcoin as an "immature asset class" and prohibiting crypto ETF purchases. CEO Salim Ramji, who took office in mid-2024, initially maintained this viewpoint. Nonetheless, in December 2025, Vanguard permitted the trading of crypto mutual funds and ETFs. Currently, the tokenized asset sector is valued at $30.87 billion, with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs holding $74.37 billion in net assets as of July 2.