Vanguard takes first step to democratize private investments with 'soft' launch of branded funds -- so soft Merrill Lynch and BoA private bankers get exclusive rights to sell them.

Latest News About Vanguard begins limited private fund rollout

Vanguard began a limited rollout of private investment funds exclusively available to Merrill Lynch and Bank of America private bankers on July 24, 2026. The so-called 'soft launch' right now excludes registered investment advisors. The move represents the company’s first step toward making available private investment products under its brand. Vanguard also reduced charges on its $20 billion All-World ETF starting July 28, in response to competition. Separately, a leading review of major U.S. investors’ climate voting records came out this week. Other recent trends favored Vanguard’s index funds for sustained wealth building and its ETFs that convert $100 monthly contributions into long-term gains.

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