Franklin Templeton completes the acquisition deal of 250 Digital and launches a new crypto division.
On June 22, 2026, Franklin Templeton officially closed the deal to acquire 250 Digital, creating a new specialized division, Franklin Crypto, to manage digital assets. This move marks a strategic strengthening of the $1.78 trillion asset management giant's position in the cryptocurrency market.
As part of the deal, the 250 Digital team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund have come under the direct control of Franklin Templeton. The company will directly invest its own capital in these strategies, confirming its long-term plans for growth in the digital assets space. It is worth recalling that Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technologies since 2018, launching one of the first funds in the US that uses public blockchains for purchase and sale operations and recording ownership of shares.
Key Team of the New Division
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns has become the Chief Investment Officer. They work in partnership with Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecora. The division reports to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. CEO Jenny Johnson noted: "This is an important addition for Franklin Templeton — we are pleased to welcome Chris, Seth, and the entire 250 Digital team. Their expertise enhances our capabilities in digital assets and places Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with an in-house team dedicated to institutional cryptocurrency strategies."
Institutional Scale and Active Crypto Strategies
As of May 31, 2026, Franklin Templeton's assets under management totaled $1.78 trillion. Franklin Crypto leverages the experience of its own digital team, focusing on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and an institutional approach to risk management. The new division targets institutional clients interested in active cryptocurrency strategies within a regulated environment and broad geographic presence.
Franklin Crypto combines professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base. The division plans to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide. The integration strengthens the company's position — Franklin Templeton can now offer sophisticated digital solutions to institutions that are increasingly allocating capital to this asset class through established managers.
Expert opinion: The acquisition of 250 Digital is not just a team purchase but a strategic move that allows Franklin Templeton to compete with giants like BlackRock and Fidelity in the institutional crypto services segment. Creating its own division for active crypto asset management signals market maturity: major players are moving from passive ETFs to more complex strategies, which could attract even more institutional capital in 2026–2027.