Franklin Templeton is expanding deeper into digital assets by launching a new crypto division backed by its acquisition of 250 Digital.
Key Takeaways
- Franklin Templeton has launched a new division called Franklin Crypto to focus on digital asset investing.
- The move is anchored by its acquisition of 250 Digital, a crypto investment firm spun out of CoinFund.
- The firm is targeting institutional investors with active crypto strategies beyond ETFs.
- Crypto mergers and acquisitions are expected to exceed $37 billion in 2026, showing rising interest from traditional finance.
What Happened?
Franklin Templeton announced plans to acquire crypto investment firm 250 Digital and launch a dedicated digital asset division called Franklin Crypto. The new unit will bring together crypto investment talent and strategies under one structure aimed at institutional clients.
The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to approvals and standard conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Today, we launched Franklin Crypto: a new dedicated, institutional-grade crypto investment management unit.
— Franklin Templeton Digital Assets (@FTDA_US) April 1, 2026
Industry veterans Chris Perkins and Seth Ginns will co-lead Franklin Crypto alongside @FTI_Global’s Tony Pecore. To expand our existing suite of actively managed crypto… pic.twitter.com/BJ7iqFX0Qp
Franklin Crypto Targets Institutional Growth
The newly formed Franklin Crypto division marks a major step in Franklin Templeton’s long term strategy to expand beyond passive crypto products. The firm is now focusing on active investment strategies designed for large institutional investors.
Franklin Crypto will combine the 250 Digital team and its liquid crypto strategies, which were previously managed by CoinFund. This integration allows the firm to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing digital asset market.
Christopher Perkins, a former CoinFund executive, will lead the division. Seth Ginns will serve as Chief Investment Officer, working alongside Franklin Templeton digital assets executive Tony Pecore. The team will report to Sandy Kaul, Head of Innovation.
Perkins said:
Expanding Beyond ETFs Into Active Strategies
Franklin Templeton already manages about $1.8 billion in digital assets, but the launch of Franklin Crypto signals a shift toward more advanced offerings.
Instead of relying only on exchange traded funds, the firm is building in house expertise to deliver tailored crypto investment strategies. This reflects a broader trend where traditional asset managers are moving deeper into blockchain and digital assets.
CEO Jenny Johnson highlighted the importance of the move, saying, “This is an exciting addition for Franklin Templeton,” adding that the deal strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver dedicated crypto expertise to clients globally.
Robert Crossley, global head of industry advisory services, also noted growing demand. “We are seeing growing interest from more established investors who are thinking about diversification and long term outcomes,” he said. He added that younger investors are already comfortable with crypto, and the gap between investor groups is narrowing.
Crypto M&A Boom Gains Momentum
The acquisition comes at a time when traditional financial firms are actively buying crypto and blockchain companies.
Recent deals include major players entering the space through acquisitions and partnerships, signaling that crypto is becoming part of mainstream finance. Industry experts expect crypto mergers and acquisitions to surpass $37 billion in 2026, building on strong activity seen in 2025.
This trend shows that institutions are no longer experimenting with crypto but are making serious long term commitments.
Tokenized Deal Structure Signals Innovation
One of the most notable aspects of the transaction is the use of BENJI tokens as part of the payment.
These tokens are linked to Franklin Templeton’s on chain U.S. Government Money Fund, also known as FOBXX. The fund uses blockchain technology to process transactions and record ownership.
This approach hints at a future where mergers and acquisitions can be executed directly on blockchain infrastructure, reducing friction and improving transparency.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
In my experience, this move clearly shows that crypto is no longer a side experiment for big finance firms. I see this as a strong signal that institutions are now building serious infrastructure around digital assets.
What stands out to me is not just the acquisition, but the focus on active management and tokenized transactions. I found this especially important because it shows where the industry is heading next. Not just holding crypto, but actively managing and integrating it into traditional finance systems.
Franklin Templeton is positioning itself early, and I believe this could give it a strong edge as institutional demand continues to grow.
