Franklin Templeton completes acquisition of 250 Digital: a new phase of institutional expansion into cryptocurrencies
Franklin Templeton, an asset management company with $1.78 trillion in assets under management, has officially completed the acquisition of 250 Digital, initially planned for April 1, 2026. This strategic acquisition marks the creation of a new division — Franklin Crypto, which will become the hub for managing the giant's digital assets.
Integration of Team and Assets
With the completion of the deal, the entire team of 250 Digital, as well as all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund, are now under the direct management of Franklin Templeton. This means the company will invest its own capital directly into these strategies, rather than through external managers. This move underscores Franklin Templeton's long-term intentions in the digital assets space, where it has been experimenting with blockchain technologies since 2018, launching one of the first U.S. funds to use public blockchains.
Key Appointments and Structure
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, leading the division, while Seth Ginns has become acting 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 noted that the experience of the 250 Digital team enhances the company's capabilities in digital assets and positions Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with an in-house team dedicated to institutional cryptocurrency strategies.
Institutional Scale and Active Strategies
Franklin Crypto is focusing on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and an institutional approach to risk management. The division targets institutional clients interested in active cryptocurrency strategies, operating within a regulatory framework and a broad geographic presence. Plans include launching active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide.
As an analyst, I see this move not merely as an acquisition of a team, but as the creation of a fully-fledged crypto hub integrated into the structure of a giant. Franklin Templeton is not just adding cryptocurrencies to its portfolio — it is building its own infrastructure for actively managing them, which is a strong signal of market maturity and institutional readiness for deeper involvement.