Franklin Templeton completes the acquisition of 250 Digital and launches Franklin Crypto: a new phase of institutional adoption
The asset management firm with $1.78 trillion in assets under management — Franklin Templeton — has officially closed the acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026. This move marked the creation of a new specialized division, Franklin Crypto, which will directly manage digital assets. Previously, 250 Digital's strategies were managed through CoinFund, but they are now fully under Franklin Templeton's control.
Strategic Integration and Key Team
As part of the deal, the 250 Digital team, including all liquid cryptocurrency strategies, is integrated into Franklin Templeton's structure. The company intends to directly invest its own capital in these strategies, underscoring its long-term plans in the digital assets space. Notably, Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technologies since 2018, launching one of the first U.S. funds to use public blockchains for purchase and sale operations and recording ownership rights of shares.
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns has become the investment director. 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 and positions Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with an in-house team for institutional cryptocurrency strategies.
Institutional Scale and Active Strategies
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 new division targets institutional clients interested in active cryptocurrency strategies within a regulated framework and broad geographic presence.
The combination of professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base creates a powerful synergistic effect. The division plans to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide.
Cryptalist Analysis: This move by Franklin Templeton is not just another deal but a clear signal to the market. The integration of 250 Digital allows the trillion-dollar giant to offer institutions not passive ETFs but full-fledged active management in cryptocurrencies. This shifts competition to a new level, where traditional asset managers will compete for trust through their own expert teams rather than through third-party providers.