Asset Management Giant Deepens Digital Asset Push
Franklin Templeton has completed its acquisition of crypto investment manager 250 Digital and officially launched Franklin Crypto, a dedicated active digital asset management division focused on serving institutional investors.
The transaction, initially announced in April 2026, closed within the firm’s targeted second-quarter timeline and marks one of the most significant expansions by a traditional asset manager into actively managed cryptocurrency investing. Franklin Templeton said the new business unit will provide institutional clients with professionally managed crypto strategies backed by the firm’s global distribution network and investment infrastructure.
Franklin Crypto Targets Pension Funds and Sovereign Wealth Funds
Franklin Crypto will primarily cater to pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, family offices, and other large allocators seeking exposure to digital assets through regulated investment vehicles.
The newly established division integrates the full 250 Digital investment team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed under CoinFund. Franklin Templeton also disclosed that it plans to allocate capital directly into these strategies as part of the acquisition agreement.
Christopher Perkins, co-founder of 250 Digital and former managing partner at CoinFund, has been appointed Head of Franklin Crypto. Seth Ginns, another former CoinFund executive, will serve as Chief Investment Officer, while Franklin Templeton digital assets veteran Tony Pecore joins the leadership team. The division will report to Sandy Kaul, the company’s Head of Innovation.
A Major Step Beyond Crypto ETFs
The launch of Franklin Crypto represents a strategic shift beyond passive cryptocurrency investment products such as exchange-traded funds.
Franklin Templeton has been actively involved in blockchain technology since 2018 and already operates a dedicated digital assets business focused on research, portfolio construction, validator operations, and institutional risk management. However, the addition of 250 Digital introduces specialized expertise in actively managed liquid crypto strategies, an area where institutional demand has been steadily increasing.
As of May 31, 2026, Franklin Templeton managed approximately $1.78 trillion in assets, giving Franklin Crypto access to a broad institutional client base across more than 35 countries. Industry observers believe the move positions the company among a small group of global asset managers offering institutional-grade active cryptocurrency investment services.
Institutional Adoption of Digital Assets Continues to Accelerate
Franklin Templeton’s latest expansion highlights the growing convergence between traditional finance and the cryptocurrency industry.
Large asset managers have increasingly sought to diversify their digital asset offerings amid rising interest from pension plans, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds. The launch of Franklin Crypto suggests that institutions are looking beyond simple Bitcoin exposure and exploring actively managed strategies designed to capitalize on opportunities across the broader digital asset ecosystem.
Chief Executive Officer Jenny Johnson said the acquisition strengthens Franklin Templeton’s capabilities in digital assets and enhances its ability to compete in an increasingly crowded institutional crypto market.
Key Takeaways
- Franklin Templeton completed its acquisition of 250 Digital on June 22, 2026.
- The firm launched Franklin Crypto, a dedicated active digital asset management division.
- Franklin Crypto will focus on pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors.
- Christopher Perkins will lead the division as Head of Franklin Crypto, while Seth Ginns will serve as CIO.
- The move expands Franklin Templeton’s digital asset capabilities beyond ETFs and passive investment products.
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