Vanguard Files Specialized Fund With Special Mention of Digital Currency

As a researcher with a background in finance and technology, I’ve been closely following the developments at Vanguard regarding their potential shift in stance towards cryptocurrencies. The recent filing with the SEC for a new “Vanguard Specialized Funds” that includes definitions of digital currency, digital asset, digital security token, and digital utility token, is an intriguing development.


As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed some intriguing developments that have fueled rumors about a potential shift in Vanguard’s cryptocurrency stance. Recently, this investment powerhouse has shown signs of reconsidering its previous skepticism towards digital assets.

Vanguard Offers Definition of Crypto Terms

I’m excited to share some recent news with you as a fellow crypto investor. A company has applied for a new fund with the SEC, which they’ve named “Vanguard Specialized Funds.” According to the filing, this Fund aims to mirror the performance of an index consisting of stocks from companies that have a history of raising their dividends consistently.

As a researcher examining the lodged filing, I came across a reference to Digital Currency among some essential definitions related to cryptocurrencies, as provided by the investment management firm.

Vanguard characterized “digital currency” as a type of digital asset that serves only the functions of being saved value, a means for exchange, or a measure of accounting. Notably, it falls under the category of digital assets not backed or endorsed by any government or regulatory body.

Based on Vanguard’s submission, the creation of new units for this digital asset is regulated by algorithmic methods. Additionally, transactions involving the digital asset are documented on a decentralized network or distributed ledger.

I’d like to highlight that the company made a clear differentiation between digital currencies and digital security tokens. The latter category includes any digital asset that doesn’t fall under the former two classifications. In my analysis, submitted to the SEC, digital security tokens typically derive their value from an underlying separate asset or pool of assets.

Vanguard referred to the final category of assets as digital utility tokens. These tokens grant access to a specific network, product, or service when used.

Vanguard Frowned at Spot Bitcoin ETFs 

Vanguard’s stance on digital asset “sensitization” is unclear at this point, but the company has historically been critical of Bitcoin. In contrast to BlackRock and Fidelity, who explored the possibility of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January, Vanguard publicly expressed its disinterest in this offering.

Vanguard based its choice on the volatile and unsupervised character of the wider cryptocurrency market, stating a disagreement between this risky asset class and their established investment approach.

Tim Buckley, who has held the roles of Chairperson and CEO at the company for over thirty years, is planning to retire by the end of 2024. In anticipation of his departure later this year, the company has selected Salim Ramji as his successor. Ramji previously worked at BlackRock before joining our organization.

As a researcher examining this situation, I can’t help but be intrigued by the potential implications of Ramji’s new role at BlackRock. With his extensive background in managing their global ETF business, his appointment has sparked widespread conjecture regarding possible shifts in BlackRock’s strategic direction in the future.

Read More

2024-05-28 00:01