Franklin Templeton completes acquisition of 250 Digital: a new phase of institutional expansion into cryptocurrencies
On June 22, 2026, Franklin Templeton officially closed the deal to acquire the company 250 Digital, marking the launch of a new division — Franklin Crypto. This move is not just another acquisition in the digital asset market, but a strategic strengthening of the position of one of the world's largest asset managers, with $1.78 trillion in assets under management.
Strategic Integration and New Team
As part of the deal, all liquid cryptocurrency strategies of 250 Digital, previously managed through CoinFund, come under the direct control of Franklin Templeton. The company will now invest its own capital in these strategies, demonstrating a long-term commitment to digital assets. It is worth noting that Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technologies since 2018 and was one of the first in the U.S. to launch a fund using public blockchains for share transactions.
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns has taken the position of investment director. They work in partnership with Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecora. The division reports to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. As CEO Jenny Johnson noted, this move places Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own team for institutional crypto strategies.
Institutional Approach to Digital Assets
Franklin Crypto is betting on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and strict risk management, characteristic of traditional finance. The division is focused on institutional clients interested in complex digital solutions within a global regulatory framework.
By combining professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base, the new division plans to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide. This is not just an expansion — it is a signal that large capital is ready for a deeper and more structured penetration into the crypto economy.
Expert Commentary: The acquisition of 250 Digital is not just a purchase of a team, but a strategic capture of liquidity and expertise. Franklin Templeton is creating a full-fledged bridge between traditional finance and DeFi, which could become a catalyst for an influx of institutional capital amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years.