Franklin Templeton forms Franklin Crypto: a strategic move toward dominance in digital assets
The asset management company with $1.78 trillion in assets under management completed the acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026. This marks the official creation of Franklin Crypto — a dedicated division for managing digital assets. This is not just a business purchase, but a strategic integration that fundamentally changes the landscape of institutional crypto investing.
Deal closing and team integration
As part of this deal, the entire 250 Digital team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund are now under the direct management of Franklin Templeton. A key point: the company will directly invest its own capital in these strategies. The deal, announced on April 1, 2026, has finally closed, confirming the giant's long-term plans for growth in the digital assets space. Notably, Franklin Templeton has been experimenting with blockchain technologies since 2018 and was among the first in the U.S. to launch a fund on public blockchains for trading operations and recording ownership rights of shares.
Key team of the new division
Christopher Perkins has been appointed head of Franklin Crypto, and Seth Ginns has become the chief investment officer. They work in partnership with Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecora. The division reports to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. CEO Jenny Johnson stated: "This is an important addition for Franklin Templeton — we are pleased to welcome Chris, Seth, and the entire 250 Digital team. Their experience and approaches enhance our capabilities in digital assets and position Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own institutional cryptocurrency strategies team."
Institutional scale and active crypto strategies
As of May 31, 2026, Franklin Templeton's assets under management totaled $1.78 trillion. Franklin Crypto directly leverages the expertise of Franklin Templeton's 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 environment and broad geographic presence.
Franklin Crypto combines professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base. The division plans to launch active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide. The integration strengthens the company's position — Franklin Templeton can now offer sophisticated digital solutions to institutions that are increasingly allocating capital to this asset class through established managers.
My analysis: This is not just another acquisition — it is a bid for leadership in a new asset class. Franklin Templeton is building a bridge between traditional finance and the crypto economy, creating infrastructure that could attract billions of dollars in institutional capital. We are witnessing the beginning of an era where the world's largest asset managers cease to be observers and become active players in the crypto market.