Vanguard CEO Buckley is retiring, will the billion-dollar manager now invest in bitcoin ETFs?

Vanguard Group CEO Tim Buckley will retire at the end of 2024. This fact fuels speculation in the financial world, because if Buckley leaves, the company’s attitude towards Bitcoin ETFs could change.

Vanguard en bitcoin ETF’s

The billion-dollar manager is now one of the few asset managers that does not offer bitcoin ETFs, but this may change under new management. Under Buckley, Vanguard’s assets grew 80% to $9 trillion, and that’s quite a legacy. Despite this success, Vanguard’s conservative approach to cryptocurrency, specifically avoiding Bitcoin ETFs, has made it stand out and drawn criticism from clients looking to diversify into digital assets.

As long as Buckley is in power, the focus will be on traditional investments, and bitcoin ETFs are basically excluded. This approach has been both applauded for its adherence to the company’s fundamental principles and criticized by those looking to invest in digital currencies. Eric Balchunas, a senior analyst at Bloomberg, predicts that Vanguard may eventually soften its stance on cryptocurrencies to adapt to growing demand for diverse investment options, especially as it expands its advisory services.

Here’s same comparison but using industry market share, again from our new league table (which we are currently out promoting to clients so if you have terminal and want to learn more DM me) pic.twitter.com/mLJ3Iuh4Mz

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) February 29, 2024

Balchunas suggests that while Vanguard’s current anti-crypto position is in line with its conservative image and would have pleased its founder, John Bogle. However, the investment landscape is changing rapidly and clients’ need to access alternative asset classes could lead to a change. This situation puts Vanguard at a crucial juncture, with the financial world watching to see whether Buckley’s departure will lead to a more open approach to bitcoin ETFs and digital assets, reflecting the shifting preferences of investors.