XRP News Today: Vanguard Changes Position on Crypto ETFs, Pointing to Market Maturity and Increased Demand

Vanguard to Enable Crypto ETF Trading in 2025

Vanguard Group, which manages $11 trillion in assets, will begin supporting cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on its brokerage platform starting December 2, 2025. This marks a notable change from the company’s previous stance against digital assets.

Clients will be able to trade ETFs and mutual funds tied to major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. These products will be treated as non-core holdings, similar to gold. However, Vanguard will not allow ETFs based on memecoins. This update will impact more than 50 million customers and reflects shifting investor interests.

Reversal of Previous Policy

Vanguard’s decision comes after years of resistance to crypto investments. In early 2024, the firm removed all crypto ETFs from its platform. Former CEO Tim Buckley had previously argued that cryptocurrencies were too volatile and unsuitable for retirement accounts. The appointment of Salim Ramji as CEO in 2024 prompted a strategic review, leading to this policy change. According to Andrew Kadjeski, head of brokerage and investments, the crypto ETF market has matured, and administrative systems are now robust enough to support these products.

Market Trends and Industry Context

The broader market has influenced Vanguard’s move. The introduction of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 attracted $25 billion in new investments, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust alone reaching $70 billion in assets. Vanguard is now the last major U.S. brokerage to offer crypto ETFs, following competitors like Fidelity and Schwab. While Vanguard does not plan to launch its own crypto funds, it is committed to regulatory compliance and risk management, in line with the growing trend of institutional adoption.

Crypto Market Developments

Despite a $1 trillion drop in the overall crypto market since October 2025, ETF inflows have remained strong. By October, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs managed $170 billion in assets, fueled by both retail and institutional demand. Experts believe Vanguard’s entry could encourage other conservative financial institutions to embrace crypto, further integrating digital assets into mainstream portfolios.

Ripple Expands in Singapore

In related news, Ripple, the company behind XRP, has broadened its payment services in Singapore after obtaining a new regulatory license. This move allows greater use of XRP and the RLUSD stablecoin for international payments. Although XRP’s price fell by 5% to $2.00, the development highlights Singapore’s growing importance as a regulatory center for digital assets.

Looking Ahead

Vanguard’s updated approach demonstrates the increasing maturity of the crypto market, where ETFs provide a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. By responding to client demand and embracing innovation, Vanguard is signaling greater institutional trust in regulated crypto investment options.