- Franklin Templeton deepened its crypto ambitions by absorbing 250 Digital and creating Franklin Crypto.
- Veteran investors from 250 Digital now lead a new platform built for institutional crypto strategies.
- The firm’s tokenized asset business tripled in a year, reflecting rising demand for blockchain finance.
Franklin Templeton has expanded its presence in the cryptocurrency sector by completing its acquisition of crypto investment firm 250 Digital and launching a new digital assets division called Franklin Crypto.
The asset manager, which oversees about $1.7 trillion, said the new unit will manage cryptocurrency investment strategies for institutional clients. The acquisition also brings 250 Digital’s team and investment products under Franklin Templeton’s digital assets business.
Franklin Templeton first announced the deal in April and did not disclose its financial terms. Christopher Perkins will lead the new division, while Seth Ginns has been named chief investment officer. Industry veteran Tony Pecore has also joined the leadership team.
New Division Targets Institutional Demand
Franklin Templeton said the deal reflects its long-term focus on digital assets, as it looks to combine the former 250 Digital team with its global distribution network.
The newly formed Franklin Crypto unit will focus on actively managed cryptocurrency investment strategies. It will also build on the firm’s existing research and risk management capabilities in digital assets. Sandy Kaul, head of innovation at Franklin Templeton, will oversee the division.
The acquisition also brings in investment strategies previously managed by CoinFund. Franklin Templeton said it will continue to invest in those strategies under the agreement.
Related: Former Ethereum Foundation Researchers Launch Ethlabs to Focus on Ethereum Infrastructure
Tokenization Efforts Continue to Grow
Franklin Templeton has expanded several blockchain initiatives this year. Earlier this month, the firm linked its BENJI tokenized money market fund with MoonPay Trade. Therefore, institutional investors can exchange USDC and USDT for BENJI through on-chain infrastructure.
Days later, the company filed plans for two exchange-traded funds with Bitcoin-linked exposure. The proposed products would direct stock dividend income into Bitcoin investments instead of cash distributions.
Growth has followed these initiatives. According to RWA.xyz data, Franklin Templeton’s tokenized assets climbed from about $768 million in June 2025 to more than $2.5 billion. Consequently, the firm’s expansion mirrors wider industry momentum. Total on-chain real-world assets have increased from $11.8 billion to roughly $32.2 billion over the past year, highlighting rising interest in tokenized financial products.
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