Franklin Templeton creates its own crypto division: a strategic move following the acquisition of 250 Digital
The asset management company with $1.78 trillion in assets under management — Franklin Templeton — has officially completed the acquisition of 250 Digital. The acquisition, announced on April 1, 2026, led to the launch of a new specialized division: Franklin Crypto. This is not just a rebranding, but a full-fledged integration of institutional infrastructure with its own active strategies in the digital asset market.
Integration of Team and Assets
As part of the deal, the entire team of 250 Digital, as well as the liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund, come under the direct control of Franklin Templeton. The company will now invest its own capital directly into these strategies, underscoring its long-term commitment to development in the digital asset space. It is worth noting that Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technologies since 2018 and was one of the pioneers in launching funds in the US that use public blockchains for buy-sell operations and recording ownership rights to shares.
Key Appointments in the New Division
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns has become acting Chief Investment Officer. They will 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 and approaches of the 250 Digital team enhance the company's capabilities in the digital asset space and position Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own institutional cryptocurrency strategy team.
Institutional Scale and Active Strategies
Franklin Crypto focuses on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and an institutional approach to risk management. The new division targets institutional clients interested in active cryptocurrency strategies, operating within a regulatory framework and broad geographic presence. Franklin Crypto combines professional execution in the crypto market with the proven infrastructure and client base of Franklin Templeton. The division plans to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide.
My analysis: The creation of Franklin Crypto is a clear signal to the market: institutional giants are moving from targeted experiments to the systematic integration of digital assets into their product lines. The acquisition of 250 Digital allows Franklin Templeton not only to offer passive ETFs but also to actively manage crypto portfolios, significantly expanding its competitive advantages over other traditional asset managers. In the coming quarters, we will likely see an increase in similar deals, as demand from large investors for professional digital asset management continues to grow.