Bitcoin: Vanguard strengthens its exposure to Metaplanet with 4.5 million shares

The interest of large investors in cryptocurrency-related companies continues to evolve. The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF fund has just acquired 4.5 million Metaplanet shares, a Japanese company that accumulates bitcoin on its balance sheet. This stake, estimated at 7.5 million dollars, marks a first for this fund. It illustrates the growing exposure of institutional investors to the cryptocurrency market through listed companies that hold it.

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 about 7.5 million dollars. This is the first known public purchase of Metaplanet shares by this Vanguard fund, specialized in international small caps outside the United States.

This decision is part of a broader trend within the American manager’s funds. The international index fund Vanguard Total (VGTSX) now holds 15.64 million Metaplanet shares. This stake represents an investment estimated at 53.5 million dollars, confirming the interest of several Vanguard products in the Japanese company.

On its side, the Vanguard FTSE Japan ETF (VJPN) had already purchased 704,500 Metaplanet shares last year. At the time, this position represented about 2.1 million dollars. These various stakes show that several group funds have indirect exposure to the Japanese company’s bitcoin treasury strategy.

It is, however, necessary to distinguish the purchase of shares from a direct investment in cryptocurrencies. Investors who buy Metaplanet shares hold stakes in a company, not bitcoins in their portfolio. Their exposure therefore depends notably on the financial situation of the company and the development of its activity.

Bitcoin: Vanguard funds multiply indirect exposures

Metaplanet is not the only cryptocurrency-related company present in Vanguard portfolios. The manager also holds Strategy shares, the company associated with Michael Saylor and known for its significant bitcoin purchases. These positions allow its funds to benefit indirectly from digital asset market developments.

Moreover, Vanguard now offers regulated investment products linked to several cryptocurrencies. The offering specifically includes bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. This development broadens the exposure possibilities to digital assets within regulated financial products, without eliminating the differences between direct investments and equity holdings.

Metaplanet’s latest performance also shows activity around its stock. In Tokyo, according to data reported by Cryptopolitan, the stock closed Monday up 0.75%, at 263 yen. It traded between 254 and 269 yen during the session, while nearly 13 million shares changed hands, against a usual average of 27 million.

In the United States, the MTPLF stock closed Friday at 1.66 dollars, a rise of 0.30% for the day and nearly 2% for the week. At the same time, Super League shareholders approved the creation of Superplanet, an American company specialized in bitcoin treasury management. This initiative adds a new element to the development of companies adopting this financial strategy.

Metaplanet holds 44,000 bitcoins and attracts large investors

Metaplanet currently holds 44,000 BTC, making it the second largest company holding bitcoins. In Q3 2026, the company sold 10,000 BTC and purchased 11,000. These movements illustrate active management of its reserves, while investors watch the decisions of companies exposed to cryptocurrencies.

Capital Group now ranks first among Metaplanet’s shareholders, according to Simon Gerovich, company executive. The group replaced National Financial Services as the main shareholder. It manages 2.6 trillion dollars in assets and holds 11.45% of the Japanese company’s capital, a stake valued at about 500 million dollars.

JPMorgan, Citigroup and State Street are also among major shareholders. The interest of these financial actors highlights Metaplanet’s position in the markets. However, their presence in the capital does not mean they buy cryptocurrencies directly or all adopt the same investment strategy.

On the market, bitcoin rebounded more than 1% after hitting a low of 79,331 dollars in the past 24 hours. Trading volume increased by 5%, while investors awaited the 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 growth of its reserves and presence of large investors will remain factors to watch, without guaranteeing a rise in its stock or the bitcoin price.