Large investor interest in cryptocurrency-related businesses continues to evolve. The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF fund has just acquired 4.5 million shares of Metaplanet, a Japanese company that accumulates bitcoin on its balance sheet. This participation, estimated at $7.5 million, marks a first for this fund. It illustrates the growing exposure of institutional investors to the cryptocurrency market, through listed companies that hold them.
In brief
- Vanguard acquires 4.5 million shares of Metaplanet, for an estimated value of $7.5 million.
- The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF makes its first known public purchase of Metaplanet securities.
- Metaplanet holds 44,000 BTC, while Capital Group owns 11.45% of its capital and becomes its main shareholder.
- JPMorgan, Citigroup and State Street are also among the Japanese company’s significant shareholders.
Vanguard buys 4.5 million Metaplanet shares
On October 26, Bitcoin Treasuries announced on X the acquisition of 4.5 million Metaplanet shares by the VSS fund. This operation represents approximately $7.5 million. This is the first known public purchase of Metaplanet securities by this Vanguard fund, which specializes in international small caps outside the United States.
This decision is part of a broader trend within the American manager’s funds. The Vanguard Total International Index Fund (VGTSX) now holds 15.64 million Metaplanet shares. This participation represents an investment estimated at $53.5 million, which confirms the interest of several Vanguard products for the Japanese company.
For its part, the Vanguard FTSE Japan ETF (VJPN) had already purchased 704,500 Metaplanet shares last year. At the time, that position was worth about $2.1 million. These different holdings show that several of the group’s funds have indirect exposure to the Japanese company’s bitcoin treasury strategy.
However, it is necessary to distinguish the purchase of shares from a direct investment in cryptocurrencies. Investors who buy Metaplanet securities hold shares of a company, not bitcoins in their portfolio. Their exposure therefore depends in particular on the financial situation of the company and the evolution of its activity.
Bitcoin: Vanguard funds increase indirect exposures
Metaplanet is not the only cryptocurrency-related company in Vanguard’s portfolios. The manager also owns shares of Strategy, the company associated with Michael Saylor and known for its large bitcoin purchases. These positions allow its funds to benefit indirectly from developments in the digital asset market.
In addition, Vanguard now offers regulated investment products linked to several cryptocurrencies. The offer includes bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and Solana. This development broadens the possibilities for exposure to digital assets within regulated financial products, without removing the differences between direct investments and equity investments.
Metaplanet’s latest performance also shows activity around its stock. In Tokyo, according to the data relayed by Cryptopolitanthe stock ended Monday up 0.75%, at 263 yen. It moved from 254 to 269 yen during the session, while nearly 13 million shares changed hands, compared to a usual average of 27 million.
In the United States, MTPLF stock closed Friday at $1.66, an increase of 0.30% over the day and almost 2% over the week. At the same time, Super League shareholders approved the creation of Superplanet, an American company specializing in bitcoin cash management. This initiative adds a new element to the development of companies that adopt this financial strategy.
Metaplanet holds 44,000 bitcoins and attracts big investors
Metaplanet currently holds 44,000 BTC, placing it second among companies with the most bitcoins. In the third quarter of 2026, the company sold 10,000 BTC and bought 11,000. These movements illustrate the active management of its reserves, as investors monitor the decisions of companies exposed to cryptocurrencies.
Capital Group now occupies the first place among Metaplanet shareholders, according to Simon Gerovichdirector of the company. The group replaced National Financial Services as the largest shareholder. He manages $2.6 trillion in assets and holds an 11.45% stake in the Japanese company, a stake valued at around $500 million.
Other significant shareholders include JPMorgan, Citigroup and State Street. The interest of these financial players underlines the place taken by Metaplanet on the markets. However, their presence in the capital does not mean that they buy cryptocurrencies directly or that they all adopt the same investment strategy.
In the market, bitcoin rebounded by more than 1% after hitting a low of $79,331 over the last 24 hours. Trading volume rose 5% as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.
In the short term, changes in rates and the cryptocurrency market could influence interest in companies like Metaplanet. The progression of its reserves and the presence of large investors will remain elements to monitor, without guaranteeing an increase in its action or in the price of bitcoin.
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