Key ETF Experts Balchunas and Geraci Divide on Vanguard's Bitcoin Holdout as Bitcoin ETFs Top $100 Billion

Cover image via youtu.be Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available. A discussion has erupted on social media between leading ETF experts Nate Geraci and Eric Balchunas regarding Vanguard's stance on crypto ETFs. With assets under management (AUM) exceeding $9 trillion, second only to BlackRock, the company is the gold standard of conservatism and low costs. Advertisement In the meantime, the total net assets of spot Bitcoin ETFs have already exceeded $101.45 billion , about 5.25% of BTC market capitalization. Leading is BlackRock (IBIT) with $53.22 billion. Can $9 trillion AUM protect Vanguard from the Bitcoin ETF surge? Nate Geraci, former president of The ETF Store and cofounder of the ETF Institute, considers the situation critical due to a "question of optics." A huge wave of capital is transferring to the younger generation, which is choosing crypto-friendly brokers . Vanguard's interface and position appear like the "Dark Ages," which could lead to a long-term outflow of clients. HOT Stories XRP Loses ETF Appeal to Bitcoin in $1.4 Billion Week, Binance Whale Bags Billions of SHIB Amid Asteroid Shiba Surge, Dogecoin Price Turns Green for Doge Day: Morning Crypto Report Breaking: Strategy Announces Third-Biggest Bitcoin Purchase Ever Eric Balchunas of Bloomberg Intelligence, however, opposes this view, stating that existing crypto ETFs on the market already solve the problems of 99% of investors. In his opinion, buying an ETF is more advantageous than direct ownership, and Vanguard does not necessarily need to reinvent the wheel, although he acknowledges the importance of image in the battle for the youth demographic. Advertisement They can already get bitcoin ETFs, which is same thing and for cheaper (for everyone except 1 in 10,000 case of someone who wants to buy btc in one giant lump sum and hold and make no new buys for 7-10yrs or more) — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) April 20, 2026 You Might Also Like Mon, 04/20/2026 - 13:49 XRP Loses ETF Appeal to Bitcoin in $1.4 Billion Week, Binance Whale Bags Billions of SHIB Amid Asteroid Shiba Surge, Dogecoin Price Turns Green for Doge Day: Morning Crypto Report By Gamza Khanzadaev Any decision Vanguard makes alters the market landscape: the refusal of the crypto sphere long restrained the massive influx of institutional capital, while participation is capable of collapsing average industry fees. That is precisely why every step the company takes is watched more closely than that of any other fund. Advertisement Despite public conservatism, under the leadership of new CEO and BlackRock alumnus Salim Ramji, Vanguard has taken important steps. At the end of 2025, the broker opened access to third-party crypto ETFs (BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP ). Furthermore, in fresh research from Vanguard in 2026, the inclusion of 1-4% crypto assets in portfolios for diversification is permitted. #Vanguard #Bitcoin #Bitcoin News