Spot Bitcoin ETF: Here’s Why Vanguard Might Finally Join BlackRock

As a researcher with a background in finance and technology, I have closely followed the developments in the Bitcoin ETF ecosystem with great interest. The recent news that Salim Ramji, a seasoned industry veteran with experience launching a Bitcoin ETF at BlackRock, has been appointed as the new CEO of Vanguard, is particularly noteworthy.


As a researcher studying the Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) ecosystem, I’m excited about the potential new development with Vanguard. With its impressive $7.7 trillion in assets under management, Vanguard could significantly impact the industry if it decides to enter the Bitcoin ETF space. This speculation arises following the appointment of Salim Ramji as the new CEO, who is taking over from Tim Buckley. Unlike his predecessor, who held back from Bitcoin ETFs, Ramji might usher in a new era for Vanguard by embracing this innovative investment vehicle.

Salim brings an impressive background to Vanguard, having recently joined from BlackRock. In his previous position at BlackRock, he played a key role in launching their iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). On numerous occasions, Salim Ramji publicly shared his views on Bitcoin and the importance of staying open to innovative technologies.

As a crypto investor, I’d rephrase it like this: Vanguard, known for its skepticism towards Bitcoin, welcomes a new CEO on board. Previously, Salim Ramji spearheaded the launch of BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF ($IBIT) at his previous role.

— HODL15Capital 🇺🇸 (@HODL15Capital) May 15, 2024

As a crypto investor, I’m excited to share that BlackRock’s IBIT (Institutional Bitcoin Investment Trust) has been leading the way in terms of inflows for spot Bitcoin ETFs since its inception in January. Personally, I’ve witnessed the power of this product and believe Ramji could play a significant role in shaping how Vanguard approaches this investment vehicle moving forward.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed the strong anti-Bitcoin stance at Vanguard. Unlike many other firms, they have not applied for a spot Bitcoin ETF and have gone as far as discontinuing support for Bitcoin trading on all their platforms. Their former CEO, Buckley, even suggested that Vanguard’s opposition to Bitcoin will continue beyond his leadership, making the situation intriguing.

Leading financial institutions in the United States and abroad are jumping on the Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) trend. Joining the ranks of BlackRock, notable banks such as Morgan Stanley and UBS have disclosed their involvement in this asset class. In addition to these two banks, Susquehanna International Group, a top trading firm, has announced holding approximately $1 billion across various Bitcoin ETF issuers.

As a researcher studying investment trends, I’ve noticed that entities based in Canada and Hong Kong have revealed their Bitcoin holdings through recent 13F filings with the U.S. SEC. These disclosures suggest a significant move towards cryptocurrencies, aligning with MicroStrategy’s bold approach to accumulating large amounts of Bitcoin. Vanguard, led by Ramji, hasn’t been left behind in this trend, as they too may be considering investing in Bitcoin given the growing hype around Bitcoin ETFs.

Read More

2024-05-15 13:18