Franklin Templeton creates Franklin Crypto: the giant with $1.78 trillion in assets moves to a new level in digital assets
The asset management firm with $1.78 trillion in assets under management has officially completed the acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026. This event marks the launch of Franklin Crypto — a new specialized division that will manage digital assets. This is not merely an expansion of the product line, but a strategic integration of proprietary crypto strategies with institutional infrastructure, directly responding to growing demand from large investors.
Integration of Team and Capital
As part of the deal, the entire 250 Digital team and the liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund come under Franklin Templeton's control. The company will now directly invest its own capital into these strategies. The deal, first announced on April 1, 2026, has now been finalized. This move confirms the giant's long-term plans for growth in the digital assets space, which began as early as 2018 with the launch of one of the first U.S. funds to use public blockchains for operations and recording ownership rights.
Key Figures of the New Division
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and 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 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 for institutional cryptocurrency strategies.
Institutional Scale and Active Strategies
As of May 31, 2026, Franklin Templeton's assets under management totaled $1.78 trillion. Franklin Crypto leverages the expertise of its 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 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, planning to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide.
Analyst's opinion: The creation of Franklin Crypto is not just another acquisition. It is a signal to the market that traditional giants are moving from passive observation to active management of digital assets. Integrating an in-house team and capital allows them to offer institutional clients products with a level of service and risk management previously unavailable in the crypto space. This strengthens Franklin Templeton's position as a key player capable of serving the growing demand for sophisticated digital solutions.