Vanguard ETF acquires Metaplanet shares, gains Bitcoin exposure

6.9 Investments

Oct 26, 2026

Vanguard’s ETF acquired 4.5M Metaplanet shares via index tracking, gaining indirect Bitcoin exposure. Metaplanet is expanding its U.S. capital strategy. No significant market reaction followed.

Vanguard’s FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) has disclosed its initial position in Metaplanet, acquiring approximately 4.5 million shares valued at around $7.5 million. This holding results from index tracking and does not represent a direct investment in Bitcoin or a deliberate increase in cryptocurrency exposure. Metaplanet, listed in Tokyo and known for holding 44,000 BTC, currently trades below the market value of its Bitcoin treasury. The company is funding share buybacks through a new zero-coupon convertible bond. Other Vanguard funds, such as the Total International Stock Index Fund and FTSE Japan ETF, also maintain notable positions in Metaplanet. Recently, Metaplanet shifted its capital strategy by acquiring a U.S. company to issue preferred shares in the U.S., aiming to access a broader capital base and reinforce its Bitcoin treasury strategy. The inclusion of Metaplanet in Vanguard’s ETF reflects index methodology rather than a strategic bet on Bitcoin. Investor response has been muted, with Metaplanet shares showing little movement.