Vanguard’s FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) has acquired 4.5 million shares of Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed firm known for allocating significant portions of its reserves to Bitcoin. The $7.5 million stake marks the first reported Metaplanet purchase by this specific Vanguard fund, drawing attention from cryptocurrency observers since the transaction surfaced on social media platform X.
Vanguard’s expanding Metaplanet portfolio
Other Vanguard vehicles have stepped up their investments in Metaplanet over the past year. The Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VGTSX) now holds 15.64 million shares, representing an outlay of roughly $53.5 million. This indicates rising institutional interest in companies with substantial Bitcoin holdings.
The Vanguard FTSE Japan ETF (VJPN) first bought 704,500 Metaplanet shares last year, valued at nearly $2.1 million. While these funds do not invest in Bitcoin directly, their exposure to Metaplanet offers indirect access to the growing corporate Bitcoin treasury strategy.
Vanguard funds also own stakes in other listed companies that emphasize Bitcoin holdings, including Strategy, a digital asset-focused business associated with Michael Saylor. Vanguard’s exposure extends further through investments in regulated digital asset products tied to major tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana.
Metaplanet shares traded between 254 and 269 yen on Monday before closing at 263 yen, up 0.75% for the session. Trading volume totaled nearly 13 million shares, which is lower than the recent average of 27 million.
| Vanguard Fund | Metaplanet Shares Owned | Valuation (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) | 4.5 million | $7.5 million |
| Total International Stock Index Fund (VGTSX) | 15.64 million | $53.5 million |
| FTSE Japan ETF (VJPN) | 704,500 | $2.1 million |
Rising Bitcoin reserves and new major shareholders
Metaplanet, which continues to add to its digital asset reserves, now holds 44,000 BTC. The company stands as the second largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally, following only MicroStrategy. During the third quarter of 2026, Metaplanet sold 10,000 BTC and purchased 11,000 BTC, maintaining its aggressive accumulation strategy.
Capital Group, a leading American investment manager with $2.6 trillion under management, recently overtook National Financial Services to become Metaplanet’s largest shareholder. Capital Group now owns 11.45% of the company, with a stake valued around $500 million, according to executive Simon Gerovich.
Metaplanet’s list of major investors also includes JPMorgan, Citigroup, and State Street. Analysts suggest that the company’s Bitcoin-centric policy and robust balance sheet have been key draws for prominent institutional investors.
In the United States, Metaplanet’s over-the-counter ticker MTPLF closed last Friday at $1.66, up 0.30% for the day and nearly 2% for the week. The upward momentum coincided with shareholders of Super League approving plans to form Superplanet, a US business focused on Bitcoin treasury management.
Mini dictionary: Metaplanet is a Tokyo-listed company recognized for holding and acquiring large amounts of Bitcoin as corporate treasury assets, often drawing comparisons to MicroStrategy due to its aggressive digital asset strategy.
Bitcoin price movements and market context
The price of Bitcoin recovered over 1% from its 24-hour low of $79,331 as market participants awaited the US Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates. Trading volumes across major Bitcoin markets rose 5% during the same period.
Market watchers believe that the gradual increase in institutional involvement from firms like Vanguard and Capital Group could further influence both equity and crypto markets, especially during periods of monetary policy uncertainty.
Major institutions like Capital Group and Vanguard have increased their exposure to Metaplanet as it strengthens its position as one of the largest Bitcoin holders worldwide.
