Franklin Templeton establishes its own crypto division after a strategic acquisition
Franklin Templeton, an asset management company with $1.78 trillion in assets under management, has officially completed the acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026. This move marked the launch of Franklin Crypto — a dedicated division specializing exclusively in digital asset management. This is not just about portfolio expansion, but about creating an institutional infrastructure for working with cryptocurrencies that will meet the most stringent requirements of large investors.
As part of the deal, the 250 Digital team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund are transferred under the direct control of Franklin Templeton. The company intends to directly invest its own capital in these strategies. Thus, the deal, first announced on April 1, 2026, has been closed. This confirms Franklin Templeton's long-term plans for development in the digital assets space, which the company has been exploring since 2018. It is worth recalling that Franklin Templeton launched one of the first funds in the United States to use public blockchains for purchase and sale operations and for recording ownership rights to shares.
Key Team of the New Division
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns has become the investment director. They are working 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 the digital assets space and position Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own team for institutional cryptocurrency strategies.
Franklin Crypto is focused on institutional clients interested in active cryptocurrency strategies within a regulatory framework and broad geographic presence. The division combines professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base. The launch of active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide is planned.
My analysis: This is not just another acquisition — it is a signal that traditional giants are moving from passive observation to active management of crypto assets. Franklin Templeton is creating a full-fledged hedge fund within itself, which should attract conservative capital that previously avoided this asset class due to the lack of institutional management.