Vanguard Seeks Digital Assets Chief Amid Shift into Tokenization

Vanguard, one of the world's largest asset managers, is hiring a head of digital assets to lead its strategy on tokenization and blockchain infrastructure.

The move marks a significant shift for Vanguard, which has previously resisted crypto investment products. In August 2024, CEO Salim Ramji said the company would not launch crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), arguing that Vanguard wouldn't 'copy competitors' despite the rapid adoption of spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Vanguard's job description on its website outlines the executive's responsibilities, including determining how the asset manager participates in digital assets and evaluating client-facing products such as tokenization, stablecoins, custody models, and blockchain-based settlement.