Vanguard, the world’s second‑largest asset manager, disclosed that its FTSE All-World ex‑US Small‑Cap ETF (ticker VSS) purchased 4.5 million shares of Metaplanet, a Bitcoin treasury company. The transaction was valued at roughly $7.5 million, according to a post on X dated October 26.
Previous Vanguard holdings in Metaplanet
Earlier in the year, Vanguard’s Total International Stock Index Fund (VGTSX) increased its Metaplanet position to 15.64 million shares, valued at about $53.5 million. In the prior year, the Vanguard Group FTSE Japan ETF (VJPN) made its first Metaplanet purchase, acquiring 704,500 shares for approximately $2.1 million.
Market reaction
Following the announcement, Metaplanet’s Tokyo‑listed shares closed 0.75 % lower at 263 JPY, with an intraday range of 254‑269 JPY and a trading volume of nearly 13 million shares, below its average volume of 27 million. In the United States, the company’s ADR closed 0.30 % higher at $1.66, up about 2 % over the week.
Company activity
Metaplanet reported Bitcoin holdings of 44,000 BTC, making it the second‑largest corporate Bitcoin holder. In the third quarter of 2026, the firm sold 10,000 BTC and bought 11,000 BTC.
Context
The purchases reflect a broader trend of institutional asset managers increasing exposure to regulated digital‑asset companies. Vanguard’s moves add to its existing exposure to Bitcoin treasury strategies and other digital‑asset holdings.
