Implications of Vanguard Allowing Crypto ETF Access

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September 30, 2025

Vanguard, the world’s second-largest asset manager with over $10 trillion in assets under management AUM, is reportedly preparing to reverse its long-standing resistance to cryptocurrency products.

According to recent reports, the firm is in exploratory talks to allow its U.S. brokerage clients—numbering around 50 million—to access select third-party crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This comes after years of blocking such investments, citing crypto’s volatility and lack of long-term value as an asset class.

In January 2024, when spot Bitcoin ETFs were first approved by the SEC, Vanguard explicitly prohibited trading them on its platform. The firm viewed crypto as speculative rather than a viable investment for generating stable, long-term returns.

Rivals like BlackRock whose Bitcoin ETF has amassed over $80 billion in assets, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab have embraced crypto ETFs, driving massive inflows—totaling around $70 billion industry-wide since launch. Even JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley have begun offering Bitcoin trading and ETF access to clients.

What’s Changing Now?

Vanguard has initiated “methodical” discussions with external partners but has no plans to launch its own crypto products. The focus is solely on enabling access to existing third-party ETFs, such as those tracking Bitcoin or Ethereum.

The appointment of CEO Salim Ramji in 2024—formerly the head of BlackRock’s ETF business, including its Bitcoin ETF—appears to be a catalyst. In July 2025, Ramji reiterated no interest in proprietary crypto ETFs but left the door open for third-party access.

Recent SEC actions, including a new generic listing standard that slashes ETF approval times from 240 to 75 days and broadens eligibility for major cryptos, have eased barriers. This aligns with a more crypto-friendly environment under evolving U.S. regulations.

If implemented, this could unlock enormous capital flows into crypto: A mere 1% allocation from Vanguard’s AUM would equate to $100 billion—dwarfing many existing ETF categories and accelerating mainstream adoption.

With Vanguard serving one in six U.S. households, this move could integrate crypto into retirement accounts and passive portfolios, shifting perceptions from “speculation” to “core asset class.” Analysts predict a fresh boom, especially after last week’s market dip, offering attractive entry points.

Vanguard manages over $10 trillion in assets. Even a conservative 1% allocation to crypto ETFs could unleash $100 billion in new capital, surpassing the $70 billion total inflows into crypto ETFs since their inception in 2024.

This influx could drive significant price appreciation for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, potentially sparking a new bull run, especially following recent market dips that have created attractive entry points.

With Vanguard’s vast retail client base one in six U.S. households crypto could transition from a niche asset to a staple in diversified portfolios, including retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s.

Vanguard’s historical skepticism framed crypto as speculative. Allowing ETF access signals a softening stance, lending institutional credibility and encouraging conservative investors to consider crypto as a legitimate asset class.

Retail investors may increasingly view crypto ETFs as a low-effort way to gain exposure without navigating crypto exchanges, aligning with Vanguard’s passive, long-term investment philosophy.

Vanguard’s move levels the playing field with competitors like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab, who have already embraced crypto ETFs. This could stem client outflows to platforms offering broader crypto access.

While Vanguard is unlikely to launch proprietary crypto products, competitors may accelerate their own offerings like new ETF structures or direct crypto trading to maintain an edge.

Other conservative holdouts may follow Vanguard’s lead, accelerating the normalization of crypto in traditional finance and potentially leading to new products like crypto-focused index funds.

Vanguard’s 50 million clients gain flexibility to diversify into crypto without leaving the platform, potentially increasing client retention and satisfaction. Crypto’s high volatility could expose Vanguard’s risk-averse clients to significant losses, potentially leading to scrutiny if clients over-allocate without proper education.

Vanguard’s focus on third-party ETFs rather than proprietary products limits its exposure but also caps its ability to shape the crypto market directly. Without official confirmation or a clear timeline, delays or restrictive conditions.

If crypto markets crash, Vanguard’s cautious client base may blame the firm for enabling access, potentially straining its reputation for prudent investing. Vanguard’s pivot could catalyze a seismic shift in crypto adoption, driving billions in new capital, legitimizing the asset class, and pressuring competitors to keep pace.

However, its cautious approach and crypto’s volatility introduce risks that could temper enthusiasm. Investors should monitor for official announcements and weigh ETF access against direct crypto ownership on platforms like Coinbase or Binance, depending on their risk tolerance and goals.

SEC and FINRA Probe Insider Trading Concerns Involving Over 200 DATs

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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September 30, 2025

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) have contacted over 200 Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs)—likely referring to tokenized or blockchain-based treasury vehicles or funds in the crypto space—regarding potential insider trading.

The regulators are scrutinizing pre-announcement trading activities that may have exploited material nonpublic information (MNPI) about treasury-related announcements. According to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, this outreach signals an initial step, with a more formal and deeper investigation possibly forthcoming if irregularities are confirmed.

The focus is on suspicious trading patterns in treasury vehicles (e.g., tokenized U.S. Treasuries or similar assets) ahead of public announcements. DATs, which have surged in popularity amid the integration of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), are under review for breaches of insider trading rules under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5.

SEC leads on securities law enforcement, using advanced surveillance tools to detect anomalous trades, whistleblower tips, and subpoena evidence. FINRA assists in broker-dealer oversight, potentially examining how firms handled client trades in these assets.

The contacts were made recently, aligning with a broader 2024-2025 uptick in SEC enforcement on crypto-related misconduct, including “shadow trading”. This development comes amid a “DATs frenzy” in crypto markets, where tokenized treasuries have driven liquidity and speculation.

However, it echoes the SEC’s aggressive 2024 actions, such as the high-profile SEC v. Panuwat case, where a jury upheld liability for shadow trading using acquisition news to profit from a peer company’s stock. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the SEC settled or litigated dozens of insider trading cases, recovering millions in disgorgement and penalties.

What This Means for the Crypto Ecosystem

The probe underscores the SEC’s expanding oversight of digital assets treated as securities, potentially cooling speculative fervor around DATs while reinforcing market integrity.

Traders and firms are advised to review internal policies immediately—e.g., avoiding trades during sensitive periods and documenting all decisions. If you’re involved in DAT trading, consulting securities counsel is prudent, as investigations can lead to civil penalties, disgorgement, or criminal charges.

The probe signals that tokenized assets, like DATs, are firmly on the SEC’s radar as securities, subjecting them to the same insider trading rules under Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 as traditional equities or bonds.

This could set legal boundaries for how material nonpublic information (MNPI) is handled in blockchain-based financial products, potentially reshaping compliance in decentralized finance (DeFi).

The investigation may expand to other crypto assets or platforms, especially those bridging traditional finance (TradFi) and DeFi, increasing pressure on exchanges and custodians.

News of the probe could dampen enthusiasm for DATs, leading to price swings in tokenized treasuries or related crypto assets as traders react to uncertainty. Fear of regulatory action may deter institutional and retail participation, slowing the growth of DAT markets.

High-profile enforcement could undermine confidence in tokenized assets, especially if major players are implicated, though it may also bolster long-term market integrity. DAT issuers, trading platforms, and broker-dealers may need to implement or strengthen insider trading safeguards, such as blackout periods, Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, or enhanced surveillance.

Firms may face higher legal and compliance costs to navigate investigations, audits, or new regulatory requirements, potentially passed on to investors. The SEC’s whistleblower program offering 10-30% of sanctions could encourage insiders to report misconduct, increasing internal scrutiny.

If the probe escalates, it could test insider trading laws in the context of tokenized assets, potentially extending concepts like “shadow trading” seen in SEC v. Panuwat to crypto markets. Firms or individuals found liable could face civil fines, disgorgement of profits, trading bans, or criminal referrals, setting a deterrent for future violations.

Traders and Investors must exercise caution, avoid trading on rumors, and document decision-making to mitigate risks of being swept into investigations. DAT Issuers and Platforms should proactively audit trading activity, enhance transparency, and consult securities counsel to prepare for potential subpoenas or enforcement actions.

While short-term growth in DATs may slow, clearer regulations could foster long-term stability, attracting institutional capital to compliant platforms. Aggressive enforcement could weed out bad actors, aligning DATs with traditional financial standards and boosting mainstream adoption.

FINRA’s involvement suggests regulators are pooling resources, potentially leading to more sophisticated monitoring of crypto markets. This probe could be a pivotal moment for DATs, either curbing their growth or paving the way for a more regulated, mature market.

Be Part of the AI Agentic World with Tekedia AI Technical Lab Program

By

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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September 30, 2025

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Great people, we are writing codes not just for technology, but for possibilities. Our mission is to give you primitives and building blocks so that you can create AI agents which will work for you. We begin with six foundational agents: support, SEO, personal planner, career, research, and travel planner—all built on open-source foundation models. The design is deliberate: to keep your cost low while delivering high capabilities. On Oct 4, the Tekedia Institute AI Technical Lab begins.

If you do not have a domain name, your tuition covers one. If you prefer not to own, we will provide you a subdomain. And by the time we are done, four AI agents will already be working for you. Our vision is simple: just as the 2000s democratized websites for small businesses and individuals, the 2020s will democratize AI agents. Every business must have one, and we will do the coding while you connect the pieces.

Yes, no calculus is required. No coding is demanded. The level of skill you need is comparable to what is required to use Facebook. That is the threshold—because technology must never intimidate; it must empower. In this Lab, we are building the future, together.

If you have not picked your seat, I invite you to do so now. Join dozens of co-learners and let’s begin this exciting journey. Learn more and register here

New Set of Trump’s Tariffs To Kick-In From October 1st 2025

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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September 30, 2025

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President Donald Trump announced a new wave of tariffs targeting pharmaceuticals, heavy trucks, and household furniture products.

These measures, set to take effect on October 1, 2025, are framed as efforts to protect American manufacturers from “unfair outside competition” and encourage domestic production. Trump detailed the plans in posts on Truth Social, emphasizing national security and economic reciprocity.

The announcements come amid ongoing trade tensions, with the U.S. already collecting over $200 billion in tariff revenues for 2025, including a record $31.4 billion in August. These tariffs build on Trump’s broader “reciprocal” trade strategy, invoked under laws like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act.

Earlier in 2025, he imposed baseline 10% tariffs on most imports, with escalations on China up to 30%, the EU 15-25% and others like Brazil additional 40%. Asian stocks fell on September 26, with pharmaceutical shares in Japan and China declining due to fears of supply chain disruptions.

The Nikkei 225 dropped 0.87%. U.S. futures also dipped, reflecting concerns over inflation. While major firms have pledged U.S. expansions, critics warn of higher drug prices and shortages for non-exempt medicines.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) noted exemptions could limit damage but urged regulatory fixes over tariffs. Mexico faces the heaviest hit on trucks; furniture importers may pass costs to consumers, exacerbating price surges in home goods.

Tariffs have generated significant revenue, which Trump plans to partially redirect to farmers as transition aid—acknowledging short-term pain from retaliatory measures. Core inflation slowed to 0.2% in August, but overall prices are up 2.7% year-over-year, with warnings that new levies could push it higher.

Opponents, including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argue the tariffs act as a tax on U.S. consumers and businesses like Walmart, Home Depot, raising costs without fully addressing supply chains.

A Supreme Court case on the legality of IEEPA-based tariffs is pending, with arguments set for July 31, 2025—potentially upending the policy. Farmers, hit by lost exports, are set to receive bailout funds from tariff proceeds, a move Trump described as ensuring “they’ll be doing better than before.”

This escalation aligns with Trump’s campaign promises for aggressive trade enforcement, but it risks further retaliation from partners like China and the EU. The new tariffs, effective October 1, 2025, are projected to generate additional revenue for the U.S. government, building on the over $200 billion collected year-to-date from existing duties.

However, they risk exacerbating inflationary pressures, with economists warning of higher costs passed on to consumers and businesses. Core inflation, already at 0.2% in August, could rise as import-dependent sectors absorb the hikes.

The OECD notes that while global growth holds at 3.2% for 2025, supported by AI investments and U.S. fiscal aid, the full tariff shock remains unabsorbed, potentially slowing momentum.

The 100% tariff targets branded/patented drugs but spares generics and firms with U.S. plants under construction such as Eli Lilly’s $11.5B expansion. India’s generic exports major U.S. supplier face minimal hit, per Pharmexcil, but complex generics could see price pressures.

UBS deems the real-world impact “negligible” due to carveouts, though Brookings warns of generic shortages and patient rationing. Ireland’s pharma exports surged 536% YOY in anticipation, but EU firms like Roche push for talks to avoid patient harm.

IKEA calls it a blow to business; U.S. imports have flooded markets, hurting domestic makers in states like North Carolina. Homebuilders face compounded costs, worsening affordability crises. Shields U.S. firms like Peterbilt and Mack from Mexican competition, but the U.S. Chamber warns it endangers alliances with Canada, Japan, and Germany—no security threat posed.

Logistics firms may reroute supply chains, hiking costs. Global equities dipped post-announcement: Nikkei fell 0.87%, Japan’s pharma index 1%, Hong Kong’s 2.8%. U.S. futures were mixed, with investors viewing it as targeted rather than systemic.

Fed officials remain cautious on rate cuts amid tariff uncertainty. India’s MEA is “closely monitoring” pharma impacts, with exporters assessing complex generics. Australia’s health minister decries it as “unfair after 20 years of free trade.”

Mexico bears the brunt on trucks; EU seeks urgent talks. Past retaliations like China’s soybean halt suggest escalation, though trade deals cap some rates. A pending Supreme Court case on IEEPA legality could invalidate broad uses.

Proponents see job gains in manufacturing and reduced deficits, aligning with Trump’s reciprocity push. Critics, including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, label it a “tax on Americans,” risking supply disruptions and higher premiums for 131M patients on key meds.

Overall, it accelerates U.S. reshoring but at the cost of global tensions and consumer burdens—echoing 2018-2019 trade wars.

How Startups Can Effectively Leverage Artificial Intelligence

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TI Partners

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September 30, 2025

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Starting a business is exciting, but it’s a constant uphill battle. Most startups run on tight budgets and small teams. Yet, they’re faced with endless pressure to deliver results on time. In such an environment, every hour and every decision matters.

Thankfully, artificial intelligence can help do the heavy lifting and make the whole process a breeze. This innovation can help young companies do more with less. So, the era of wasting time on repetitive tasks is officially over. Founders can rely on AI to automate work and make smarter choices based on data.

Moreover, AI doesn’t just cut costs for startups. It also opens new opportunities for personalization and growth. View it as a practical ally that can help startups compete with the top dogs and build stronger businesses.

AI for Startups: Key Areas to Implement Artificial Intelligence

Gone are the days when the thought of AI was attributed to tech companies. However, many people are starting to realize the power of this innovation. AI is integrated into every sector, including music, gambling, and healthcare.

Despite this, many startups still think the idea of using AI is overwhelming. They feel like it’s only meant for big corporations with huge budgets. However, in reality, AI has become more accessible and practical than ever. The beauty of AI is that it’s not limited to one part of the business. It is useful in every key area:

Customer Service Operations

Businesses have folded because they lacked solid customer support services. The way you treat your customers greatly determines the success of your business. However, they may get caught up and forget to attend to customers’ needs and inquiries. And the reason might be due to the massive workload required to meet market trends.

However, startups can leverage AI to provide 24/7 customer service. This makes customers feel heard and valued, creating trust from the very first interaction.

Tasks and Process Automation

Startups no longer need to manually carry out certain operations that take up much time and resources. The reason is simple – AI can automate repetitive tasks and processes like scheduling, invoicing, data processing and analysis, customer service inquiries, and inventory management. By adopting AI to streamline these processes, startups can save time. This also allows them to channel human resources to manage other business operations.

Marketing and Sales Optimization

Manual operations don’t promise any certainty when it comes to marketing. Startups will only end up spending a lot of resources on ad campaigns that reach uninterested customers. Meanwhile, with AI, a customer’s behavioural pattern toward making purchases can be predicted. Startups can then use this to determine where to channel the resources.

These tools can also create personalized marketing campaigns and recommend products or services tailored to customers’ needs. It can also suggest the best time to reach out to them for improved conversion rates.

Product Development and Innovation

AI tools can highlight what features people actually want. These innovations can analyze market gaps and customer feedback, test prototypes, and track user behaviour. This gives startups a more competitive edge over bigger companies. The goal is to stay ahead of industry trends and improve products faster and efficiently.

Decision Making

Normally, startups have limited data to work with. Yet, AI can still help identify market opportunities. This makes it easier and faster for startups to make informed data-driven decisions. Everything might just start shooting up from there.

Risk Management and Cybersecurity

AI can also prevent fraud and protect the integrity of an organization. It can detect unusual patterns in real-time, preventing security breaches or financial fraud before they escalate. No wonder startups in tech and finance niches leverage this technology for additional security. The level of protection it offers is crucial for maintaining customer trust.

Top AI Tools for Startups to Maximize Operations

It is one thing to know that AI can transform a startup. The real thing is to figure out the tools that can make a difference. This is because with the right tools, even the smallest teams can work with the efficiency of a much larger company.

The good news is that many AI tools are now designed with startups in mind. The table below reveals the most practical AI tools that can help startups succeed from day one:

AI Tools	Core Function	Recommended Use
ChatGPT (OpenAI)	Content creation, customer support automation and brainstorming	For marketing, customer service and internal operations
Jasper AI	Copywriting and content generation	Creates blog posts, ad copy and SEO content
Drift	Conversational AI chatbot for websites	Customer service and lead generation
Zapier	Automates workflow between various apps	For streamlining operations
Grammarly	AI writing assistant	For professional communication and improved content quality
Hubspot AI	Customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation	Sales generation, lead management and creating targeted campaigns
Tableau	Data visualization and predictive analytics	Provides business insights on data analysis and reporting
Hootsuite	Schedules social media posts and analyzes engagement	For managing multiple social media accounts effectively

AI in Niche Industries: The Case of Online Casinos

The online gaming sector is the perfect testimony of how AI can help startups stand out among competitors. The industry thrives on personalization, security, and seamless user experience. And AI delivers incredible value in these areas.

Plenty of big-name gambling sites are already using this tech. It helps them suggest the right games, run smarter promos, and catch fraud on the spot. The idea is simple — keep things safe while making the experience more fun. Take Slotozilla Canada, for example: the platform provides players with clear information on casino bonuses, making it easier to spot the best deals and maximize their return on every session. That kind of personal touch is the same way other startups use AI to keep customers happy and coming back.

Conclusion

The real power of AI for startups doesn’t lie in using every tool available. It is actually in identifying where it creates the most impact. Another thing to note is that AI-powered tools are not exclusive to only the top dogs. Startups can also leverage it in their operations.

Note that AI cannot replace human creativity and vision. However, it can complement them. Utilize AI to automate what can be automated and analyze what can be analyzed. By doing this, founders can focus on strategy and innovation, rather than managing the details.

Ultimately, startups that embrace AI will adapt quicker and thrive in a digital-first world. The right AI tools can just be the game-changer.

Implications of Vanguard Allowing Crypto ETF Access

What’s Changing Now?

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