Franklin Templeton completes a strategic acquisition and forms a new crypto division.
Franklin Templeton, an asset management firm with $1.78 trillion in assets under management, has officially completed the acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026. This move marks not just a purchase, but the creation of a new, fully independent division — Franklin Crypto — designed for institutional digital asset management.
The deal, first announced on April 1, 2026, is now closed. All liquid cryptocurrency strategies and the team of 250 Digital, previously managed through CoinFund, are transitioning under the direct control of Franklin Templeton. The company will invest its own capital in these strategies, underscoring its long-term commitment to the digital asset sector.
Key Team of the New Division
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, while Seth Ginns has taken the role of Chief Investment Officer. They will work in partnership with Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecora. The new division reports to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. CEO Jenny Johnson emphasized that this acquisition strengthens the company's 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
Franklin Crypto leverages the expertise of Franklin Templeton's own digital team, focusing on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and an institutional approach to risk management. The division targets institutional clients interested in active cryptocurrency strategies, particularly amid growing regulation and global presence.
By combining professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base, the new division plans to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide. The integration strengthens the company's position, enabling it to offer sophisticated digital solutions to institutions that are increasingly allocating capital to this asset class through established managers.
My analyst comment: This move by Franklin Templeton is a clear signal that traditional financial giants are transitioning from experimentation to the systemic integration of crypto assets. The acquisition of 250 Digital and the creation of a dedicated division is not merely a response to demand, but a strategic bet that institutional investors will seek access to digital assets through trusted, regulated managers rather than risky startups.