Franklin Templeton completes acquisition of 250 Digital and launches Franklin Crypto: a new era of institutional crypto strategies
A major player in traditional finance, asset management firm Franklin Templeton with $1.78 trillion in assets under management, has taken a decisive step into the world of digital assets. On June 22, 2026, the acquisition of 250 Digital was officially closed, along with the launch of a new specialized division, Franklin Crypto. This is not just an ordinary acquisition, but a strategic maneuver that fundamentally changes the landscape of the institutional crypto services market.
As part of the deal, the entire team at 250 Digital, including their liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed through CoinFund, comes under the direct management of Franklin Templeton. Moreover, the company will directly invest its own capital in these strategies, demonstrating a high degree of confidence and long-term commitment to the sector. It is worth recalling that Franklin Templeton began experimenting with blockchain technologies as early as 2018, launching one of the first funds in the US operating on public blockchains for purchase and sale operations and recording ownership rights to shares.
Key Team of the New Division
The new division is led by experienced professionals. Christopher Perkins has taken the role of head of Franklin Crypto, while Seth Ginns has become the 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. The company's CEO, Jenny Johnson, emphasized that this is a "significant addition" that strengthens the company's capabilities in digital assets and places Franklin Templeton among the few global asset managers with their own institutional cryptocurrency strategy team.
Institutional Scale and Active Crypto Strategies
Franklin Crypto is betting on fundamental research, active portfolio management, and an institutional approach to risk management. The division is focused on institutional clients seeking active cryptocurrency strategies in an environment of tightening regulation and global presence. Essentially, we are witnessing the merger of professional execution in the crypto market with Franklin Templeton's proven infrastructure and client base.
The launch of active cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors worldwide is planned. The integration of 250 Digital allows Franklin Templeton to offer sophisticated digital solutions to institutions that are increasingly allocating capital to this asset class through established managers. This is a powerful signal to the market: traditional giants are not just eyeing cryptocurrencies but are actively building infrastructure for their mass adoption.
Analyst Comment: This move by Franklin Templeton is a landmark event. It confirms that institutional demand for active, rather than just passive (like ETFs), crypto strategies is growing. The purchase of 250 Digital is not just an acquisition of technology but a purchase of expertise and a ready-made team of professionals, which accelerates market entry many times over. In the next 1-2 years, we will see other traditional asset managers follow this example, leading to a significant inflow of capital into the sector.