Franklin Templeton completes acquisition deal of 250 Digital and launches Franklin 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 not only expands the giant's presence in digital assets but also marks the creation of a new, fully autonomous division — Franklin Crypto — designed for institutional management of cryptocurrency strategies.
The deal, which was announced on April 1, 2026, is now fully closed. As part of the integration, the entire 250 Digital team, along with their liquid crypto strategies previously managed through CoinFund, have come under the direct control of Franklin Templeton. The company will invest its own capital in these strategies, underscoring a long-term commitment to growth in the digital assets space. Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technology since 2018, launching one of the first U.S. funds to use public blockchains for buy-sell operations and recording ownership rights of shares.
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 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 digital assets and position Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own institutional cryptocurrency strategy team.
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 expertise of Franklin Templeton's 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 framework 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, enabling it to offer sophisticated digital solutions to institutions that are increasingly allocating capital to this asset class through established managers.
Cryptalist Analyst Opinion: The creation of Franklin Crypto is not just another acquisition but a strategic move demonstrating that a traditional financial giant is ready to compete with specialized crypto funds on their own turf. The shift from passive management through ETFs to active strategies with proprietary capital signals market maturity and growing confidence in digital assets as a class for long-term institutional capital preservation and growth.