Franklin Templeton completes the acquisition deal of 250 Digital: a new phase of institutional expansion into cryptocurrencies
The largest asset management company with $1.78 trillion in assets under management, Franklin Templeton, officially completed the acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026. This move marked the launch of a new division — Franklin Crypto, designed to manage digital assets. The deal, first announced on April 1, 2026, is now fully closed, confirming the giant's long-term plans to actively enter the cryptocurrency space.
Integration of Team and Strategies
As part of this deal, the entire 250 Digital team, along with all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund, are transferred under the direct management of Franklin Templeton. Moreover, the company will directly invest its own capital in these strategies, demonstrating a high degree of confidence in the acquired assets and team. Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technologies since 2018, including launching one of the first funds in the U.S. to use public blockchains for buy-sell operations and recording ownership rights to shares.
Key Team of the New Division
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns has become the investment director. They work in partnership with Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecora. The division reports to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. CEO Jenny Johnson emphasized that the experience and approaches of the 250 Digital team enhance the company's capabilities in the digital assets space and position Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own team for 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 directly leverages the expertise 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. This integration strengthens the company's position, allowing it to now offer sophisticated digital solutions to institutions that are increasingly allocating capital to this asset class through established managers.
Expert Commentary: This move by Franklin Templeton is not just another corporate acquisition. It is a clear signal to the market that traditional financial giants are moving from passive observation to active management of crypto assets. Creating a dedicated division with its own team and direct capital investment is an acknowledgment that cryptocurrencies have become an independent asset class requiring a specialized approach, rather than just a speculative tool.