Franklin Templeton creates Franklin Crypto: a new era of institutional investment in digital assets
Asset management giant Franklin Templeton, which oversees $1.78 trillion in assets, has completed the strategic acquisition of 250 Digital and officially launched a new division — Franklin Crypto. This is not just another deal, but a direct acquisition of the team and liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund. Now, all this expertise and capital come under the direct control of Franklin Templeton.
The deal, announced on April 1, 2026, was finally closed on June 22, 2026. This event marks not just an expansion, but a deep integration: the company intends to invest its own capital in the acquired strategies, indicating a high degree of confidence in their long-term effectiveness. Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technologies since 2018 and has already launched one of the first funds in the U.S. to use public blockchains for operations and recording ownership rights. This experience now receives a powerful institutional boost.
Key Team and Strategic Vision
The new division is led by industry veterans: Christopher Perkins became the head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns became the Chief Investment Officer. They work in tandem with Tony Pecora, a veteran of Franklin Templeton Digital Assets. The entire structure reports to Sandy Kaul, Head of Innovation. As noted by CEO Jenny Johnson, "this is an important addition that places Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own institutional cryptocurrency strategies team."
Institutional Scale Meets Active Management
Franklin Crypto focuses on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and an institutional approach to risk management. The division targets large clients interested in active crypto strategies within a regulatory framework and global presence. It combines professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base, planning to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide.
Cryptalist Analytical Commentary: This move by Franklin Templeton is not just a reaction to growing demand, but a preemptive occupation of a key position. Creating its own division with direct integration of active strategies and its own capital is a powerful signal to the market. I expect that in the next 12–18 months, we will see a wave of similar acquisitions by other traditional financial giants seeking not just access to cryptocurrencies, but full control over expertise and liquidity.