Vanguard will begin offering cryptocurrency ETFs and mutual funds on its brokerage platform this week, according to Bloomberg, in a sharp reversal from the firm’s long-standing opposition to crypto.

Sony Bank, the digital banking arm of Sony Financial Group, is preparing to launch a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin as early as fiscal 2026.

Japan will reduce taxes on crypto gains to a flat 20% under a government-backed plan set for 2026. 

Top stories in the Crypto Roundup today:

• Vanguard to Offer Crypto ETFs, Giving 50M Clients Access to Bitcoin and Ether Funds
• Sony Bank Eyes U.S. Dollar Stablecoin Launch in 2026 to Power Game and Anime Payments
• Japan to Cut Crypto Tax Rate to 20%, Easing Burden on Local Bitcoin Traders

Vanguard to Offer Crypto ETFs, Giving 50M Clients Access to Bitcoin and Ether Funds

Vanguard will begin offering cryptocurrency ETFs and mutual funds on its brokerage platform this week, according to Bloomberg, in a sharp reversal from the firm’s long-standing opposition to crypto.

Starting today, Vanguard clients will be able to buy regulated digital asset funds, including spot bitcoin and ether ETFs from competitors like BlackRock and Fidelity. The company, which manages around $11 trillion, said it will support most crypto products that meet U.S. regulatory standards.

"Cryptocurrency ETFs and mutual funds have been tested through periods of market volatility, performing as designed while maintaining liquidity," said Andrew Kadjeski, Vanguard’s head of brokerage and investments.

Spot bitcoin ETFs have surged to nearly $120 billion in assets since their launch in January 2024. Ether ETFs have grown to about $20 billion, according to SoSoValue.

Vanguard has no plans to launch its own crypto products and will continue to block access to memecoin-related or unregulated funds.

Sony Bank Eyes U.S. Dollar Stablecoin Launch in 2026 to Power Game and Anime Payments

Sony Bank, the digital banking arm of Sony Financial Group, is preparing to launch a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin as early as fiscal 2026.

The token would be aimed at payments for Sony’s core entertainment products, games and anime, which are typically purchased with credit cards. A stablecoin could cut fees tied to those payments and keep more revenue within the Sony ecosystem.

The bank, spun off from Sony earlier this year, applied for a U.S. banking license in October and plans to set up a subsidiary to manage the stablecoin issuance.

Sony's timing aligns with a new regulatory framework in the U.S. The GENIUS Act, passed in July, set clear guidelines for issuing and using dollar-backed stablecoins. That legal clarity has opened the door for traditional financial institutions to explore stablecoin offerings.

Japan to Cut Crypto Tax Rate to 20%, Easing Burden on Local Bitcoin Traders

Japan will reduce taxes on crypto gains to a flat 20% under a government-backed plan set for 2026. 

The move aims to bring digital assets in line with equities and mutual funds, making it easier for retail traders to stay in the market.

Currently, crypto gains are taxed progressively, with rates climbing to 55%, a structure that has driven a lot of trading offshore. The proposed change places crypto under a separate-taxation framework, with 15% going to the national government and 5% to local authorities.

Japan’s regulated crypto exchanges are seeing growing volumes, with spot trading hitting $9.6 billion in September. The tax cut could help keep that momentum going.

State of the Crypto by Top Tier Exchange Volume

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