Franklin Templeton has completed its acquisition of crypto investment firm 250 Digital and launched Franklin Crypto, a new division focused on active digital asset management. With the deal closed, 250 Digital’s team and cryptocurrency strategies are now being folded into Franklin Templeton’s platform as the asset manager expands its institutional digital asset business.
A dedicated unit for actively managed crypto strategies
The company said Franklin Crypto will serve as its dedicated active digital asset management business, offering actively managed cryptocurrency strategies for institutional investors. The new division is designed to combine active crypto investing with Franklin Templeton’s existing research capabilities, portfolio construction, institutional risk oversight, and global distribution network.
Christopher Perkins, co-founder of 250 Digital, will lead the business as Head of Franklin Crypto. Seth Ginns will take the role of Chief Investment Officer alongside Tony Pecore, a veteran of Franklin Templeton Digital Assets. The leadership group will report to Sandy Kaul, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Innovation, and oversee the integration of 250 Digital’s investment capabilities into the firm’s global platform.
250 Digital team and liquid strategies move in-house
250 Digital emerged in January 2026 after separating from CoinFund. Franklin Templeton first announced the acquisition in April. The transaction includes the firm’s full investment team as well as the liquid cryptocurrency strategies that had previously been managed under CoinFund. Franklin Templeton also said it will invest in the acquired crypto strategies as part of the agreement.
CEO Jenny Johnson said the acquisition strengthens Franklin Templeton’s investment capabilities in digital assets. The company added that the deal brings dedicated active portfolio management expertise into its existing digital asset business and fits its long-term commitment to digital asset infrastructure.
Adding active management to a growing blockchain business
Franklin Templeton currently manages about $1.78 trillion in assets across more than 35 countries. Before the acquisition, much of its digital asset activity centered on tokenization, research, and blockchain-based financial products. Franklin Crypto expands that footprint into actively managed crypto investing.
The firm also pointed to its broader blockchain push. Its tokenized treasury assets have climbed to more than $2.5 billion this year. Franklin Templeton disclosed as well that part of the acquisition consideration involved BENJI tokens, which represent shares of the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund.