Franklin Templeton launches Franklin Crypto: a new phase of institutional expansion into digital assets
June 22, 2026, is a landmark date for traditional financial giant Franklin Templeton. The company, with $1.78 trillion in assets under management, has officially completed the acquisition of 250 Digital and announced the creation of a new, fully independent division — Franklin Crypto. This is not just an acquisition, but a strategic move that fundamentally changes the rules of the game for institutional investors in the digital asset market.
Integration of Team and Capital
As part of the deal, the entire team from 250 Digital and their liquid cryptocurrency strategies, previously managed through CoinFund, are transitioning under the direct management of Franklin Templeton. Moreover, the asset manager will invest its own capital into these strategies, which is a powerful signal of confidence in the market's long-term potential. The deal, announced on April 1, 2026, has finally closed, confirming that Franklin Templeton is not just experimenting with blockchain but is building a full-fledged crypto business, leveraging experience accumulated since 2018.
Key Team of the New Division
Franklin Crypto is led by recognized experts. Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of the division, and Seth Ginns as acting chief investment officer. They will work closely with Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecora. The entire structure reports to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. As CEO Jenny Johnson noted: "This is an important addition for Franklin Templeton... their experience and approaches enhance our capabilities in digital assets and position Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own institutional cryptocurrency strategies team." This statement underscores the company's unique position in the market.
Institutional Scale Meets Active Crypto Strategies
The new division is exclusively focused on institutional clients seeking active cryptocurrency strategies within a strict regulatory framework and global presence. Franklin Crypto combines professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base. The plan is to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide.
My analysis: This move by Franklin Templeton is not just another acquisition. It is a clear signal that "old money" no longer views cryptocurrencies as a speculative asset. Creating a dedicated division with its own team and capital represents a shift from passive observation to active management. The institutionalization of the market has reached a new level, and competition will now be not only for liquidity but also for the trust of the largest capital managers.