Franklin Templeton creates Franklin Crypto: the $1.78 trillion asset giant officially enters the active crypto strategy market
An asset management company with $1.78 trillion in assets under management completed the acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026. This move marks not just another acquisition, but the creation of a standalone Franklin Crypto division that will directly manage digital assets.
Integration of Team and Capital
As a result of the deal, the entire 250 Digital team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund come under the direct control of Franklin Templeton. A key point: the company will invest its own capital in these strategies, rather than simply acting as an intermediary. The deal, announced on April 1, 2026, has been finalized, confirming the long-term intentions of the giant, which has been experimenting with blockchain technology since 2018 and launched one of the first funds on public blockchains in the United States.
Leadership of 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 tandem with Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecora. The division reports to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. As CEO Jenny Johnson noted, this move places Franklin Templeton among the "few global asset managers that have their own in-house team for institutional cryptocurrency strategies."
Institutional Scale and Active Strategies
Franklin Crypto is focusing on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and an institutional approach to risk management. The division targets institutional clients interested in active cryptocurrency strategies within a regulated framework and broad geographic presence. The launch of active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide is planned.
Expert opinion: This is not just a team purchase — it is a strategic move that transforms Franklin Templeton from a passive observer of the crypto market into an active player. The integration of its own capital into liquid strategies indicates a high degree of management confidence in the long-term profitability of digital assets, which is a powerful signal for the entire institutional market.