Franklin Templeton creates Franklin Crypto: the $1.78 trillion giant bets on institutional digital assets
Global asset manager Franklin Templeton, whose portfolio under management reached $1.78 trillion as of May 31, 2026, has officially completed the acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026. This move marked the launch of a new, fully autonomous division — Franklin Crypto, created for active digital asset management.
The deal, initially announced on April 1, 2026, is now fully closed. As part of the integration, the entire 250 Digital team and their liquid cryptocurrency strategies, previously managed through CoinFund, come under the direct control of Franklin Templeton. Moreover, the company will invest its own capital in these strategies, demonstrating deep confidence in the chosen direction.
Key Appointments and New Structure
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns has taken the role of Chief Investment Officer. They will work in tandem with Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecora. The new division reports to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. CEO Jenny Johnson emphasized that the 250 Digital team's experience elevates Franklin Templeton to one of the few global asset managers with an in-house team for institutional crypto strategies.
Synthesis of Scale and Expertise
Franklin Crypto is not just a rebranding. It is a strategic combination of professional crypto market execution inherited from 250 Digital with Franklin Templeton's proven institutional infrastructure and client base. The division focuses on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and strict risk management. The primary focus is on institutional clients interested in sophisticated digital solutions amid tightening regulation and global presence.
Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technology since 2018, launching one of the first U.S. funds to use public blockchains for operations and ownership record-keeping. Now, the company is taking the next logical step, turning experiments into a full-fledged business.
Analyst Opinion: The acquisition of 250 Digital is not just a team purchase but the acquisition of a ready-made, operational infrastructure for active crypto strategies. While many Wall Street giants limit themselves to passive ETFs, Franklin Templeton is betting on active management, which could become a powerful catalyst for institutional capital inflows into more complex and higher-yielding crypto products.