Regulation shapes every major shift in global finance. It can unlock new opportunities or slow innovation for years. XRP now stands at a critical moment where policy choices may determine how far the asset can advance in institutional markets.
The discussion intensified after a post from Amonyx, citing Bloomberg, announced that Vanguard will allow clients to access crypto ETFs starting today. The magnitude of Vanguard’s decision — backed by roughly $11 trillion in assets under management — underscores a major structural shift for crypto access.
A Major U-Turn by Vanguard
Vanguard has long resisted crypto exposure. As of early 2024, it declined to list spot Bitcoin ETFs even after their U.S. launch. That stance delivered a clear message: crypto was too volatile and speculative for the firm’s conservative portfolios.
That reticence ends now. Starting December 2, 2025, Vanguard brokerage clients can trade third-party ETFs and mutual funds that hold regulated cryptocurrencies, including XRP, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The firm still will not issue its own crypto ETFs.
JUST IN: $11 trillion Vanguard to finally allow clients access to #XRP ETFs starting tomorrow — Bloomberg
Bullish 🚀
Why $11 Trillion Matters for XRP
Vanguard serves over 50 million brokerage clients worldwide. Those clients collectively oversee more than $11 trillion in assets. Even a small shift of that capital toward crypto ETFs could unleash substantial inflows into XRP products.
This move also normalizes crypto exposure for retail and long-term investors who previously avoided unregulated exchanges. It lowers friction, simplifies access, and brings regulated crypto into mainstream portfolios alongside traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and gold.
Early Market Impacts and Risks
At first, expect higher trading volumes for XRP-linked ETFs as Vanguard clients begin placing orders. Market makers and custodians must absorb new demand swiftly. Spreads and ETF premiums may widen temporarily.
This doesn’t guarantee a rally. Crypto markets remain volatile. And Vanguard reiterated it will continue excluding high-risk products like memecoins, indicating ongoing caution.
Also, demand may remain muted if Vanguard’s traditional investor base remains skeptical of crypto’s risk-return profile. Many of these clients favor conservative, index-based investing rather than speculative assets.
Broader Implications for Institutional Crypto Access
Vanguard’s pivot may influence other legacy asset managers still hesitating on crypto exposure. Once again, what was once fringe begins shifting toward mainstream acceptance. This could trigger more institutions to offer crypto ETFs, creating a broader and more competitive fund ecosystem.
For XRP, widespread access through traditional brokerages removes a key barrier to mainstream adoption. As more retirement funds, wealth managers, and retail investors gain regulated access, the potential for deeper liquidity and wider distribution grows.
Vanguard’s decision is more than symbolic. It represents the breakdown of one of the last major institutional barriers to regulated crypto access. For XRP, the test begins now.