Vanguard posts head of digital assets role after opening crypto ETF access

Vanguard is seeking a Dallas-based Head of Digital Assets to shape strategy across Vanguard Personal Wealth, extending the asset manager’s gradual move into crypto-related finance after it opened platform access to cryptocurrency ETFs and mutual funds in December. The job posting says the executive would develop the firm’s digital-asset vision, identify business opportunities, and lead execution across product, technology, operations, legal and compliance teams while serving as Vanguard’s senior subject matter expert and advising senior leadership on market developments. The role would also represent Vanguard in discussions with regulators and industry groups, help shape market standards, and build a multi-year roadmap with governance and risk frameworks for personal wealth clients. Areas under review include tokenization, stablecoins, digital wallets, custody and blockchain-based settlement, as well as whether Vanguard should build capabilities internally, partner with outside firms, or avoid parts of the market. The search appears to be Vanguard’s first major dedicated crypto leadership role and comes after years in which the firm resisted launching its own Bitcoin products even as rivals including BlackRock, Fidelity and Franklin Templeton expanded in the sector. Vanguard, which reported $12 trillion in assets under management at the end of 2025, has described Bitcoin as an “immature asset class” and Chief Executive Salim Ramji has said the firm’s decision not to launch a Bitcoin ETF is “entirely consistent” with its investment philosophy. Even so, Vanguard has eased its stance by allowing brokerage clients to trade crypto funds on its platform, and at one point last year became the largest shareholder in Strategy through its index funds rather than an active Bitcoin bet. The new hiring push does not indicate an imminent product launch, but it suggests Vanguard is examining a broader role for digital assets within wealth management over the long term.