Global asset manager Franklin Templeton is deepening its commitment to digital assets by launching a dedicated cryptocurrency unit called Franklin Crypto, anchored by its planned acquisition of 250 Digital. The move signals a strategic shift beyond passive investment products toward more active crypto strategies aimed at institutional clients. The new division will integrate 250 Digital’s liquid crypto strategies, previously associated with CoinFund, under a unified structure designed to meet growing demand from large scale investors seeking structured exposure to digital assets.
The newly formed unit will be led by experienced figures in the crypto investment space, including former CoinFund executive Christopher Perkins, who will head the division. He will work alongside Seth Ginns as chief investment officer and Tony Pecore from the firm’s digital assets team. Oversight will be provided by Sandy Kaul, reflecting a coordinated effort to expand Franklin Templeton’s institutional crypto offerings. The company already manages approximately $1.8 billion in digital asset investments, and this initiative represents a step toward scaling its capabilities further.
The expansion highlights a broader shift across traditional finance as major asset managers move beyond exchange traded funds and passive exposure models. Instead, firms are building internal expertise to offer actively managed strategies in the crypto space. According to company leadership, institutional demand for digital assets has grown significantly, with investors increasingly seeking diversified and professionally managed portfolios. The creation of Franklin Crypto is intended to address this demand by combining research, trading, and portfolio management capabilities within a dedicated structure.
An important feature of the transaction is its use of tokenized assets as part of the deal structure. A portion of the acquisition will be settled using BENJI tokens, which are tied to Franklin Templeton’s on chain U.S. Government Money Fund. This approach represents an early example of how blockchain technology can be integrated into traditional financial operations such as mergers and acquisitions. By leveraging tokenized instruments for settlement, the firm is exploring more efficient and transparent ways to execute complex transactions while aligning with the broader trend of financial tokenization.
The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. The launch of Franklin Crypto reflects growing institutional confidence in digital assets and signals a continued convergence between traditional finance and blockchain based infrastructure. As large financial firms expand their presence in the sector, the focus is shifting toward building comprehensive ecosystems that combine investment expertise with emerging technologies, positioning crypto as a core component of modern financial markets.
