Vanguard hikes stake in Strive Asset Management, boosting Bitcoin exposure

Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index Fund added 269,200 shares of Strive Asset Management, bringing its total holding to about 1.98 million shares valued at roughly $23.7 million after a $3.2 million increase. The move expands Vanguard’s indirect exposure to Bitcoin‑linked equities and reflects a broader trend of institutional investors seeking crypto‑related assets through passive vehicles.

The added shares raise Vanguard’s exposure to Strive’s Bitcoin treasury holdings, a strategy noted by market‑research director Joe Burnett as evidence that mainstream capital is increasingly “owning” Bitcoin without direct purchases. Vanguard, which under former CEO Tim Buckley in early 2024 declined to offer spot Bitcoin ETFs, has softened its stance after former BlackRock executive Salim Ramji became CEO, signalling a more open approach to digital‑asset investments.