Catenaa, Tuesday, June 23, 2026- Franklin Templeton has formally expanded its cryptocurrency operations by completing its acquisition of digital asset manager 250 Digital.
It also launched a dedicated crypto investment division, marking one of the clearest signs yet that traditional asset managers are deepening their commitment to digital assets.
The global asset management giant said the acquisition brings 250 Digital’s investment team and crypto-focused strategies into a newly established business unit called Franklin Crypto, which will focus on actively managed cryptocurrency investment products for institutional clients.
The move further positions Franklin Templeton among a growing group of traditional financial institutions seeking a larger role in the rapidly evolving digital asset sector.
The newly created Franklin Crypto division will be led jointly by former 250 Digital executives Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns alongside Franklin Templeton digital assets executive Tony Pecore.
The company said the new business will combine the cryptocurrency expertise developed by 250 Digital with Franklin Templeton’s global investment platform, distribution capabilities and institutional client network.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The transaction follows the restructuring of crypto investment firm CoinFund, which earlier spun out its liquid investment strategies into 250 Digital as part of a broader effort to concentrate on venture capital activities.
The creation of Franklin Crypto highlights increasing institutional demand for professionally managed digital asset strategies.
While cryptocurrency investing was once dominated by retail traders and specialist funds, large pension funds, family offices, endowments and asset allocators have gradually increased their exposure to digital assets.
Traditional asset managers are responding by building dedicated teams capable of offering institutional-grade portfolio management, risk controls and regulatory oversight.
Franklin Templeton’s latest move suggests digital assets are becoming a permanent component of mainstream investment management rather than a niche allocation.
The acquisition also strengthens Franklin Templeton’s broader digital asset strategy, which extends beyond cryptocurrency investing.
The firm has become one of the most active traditional financial institutions in the tokenization sector, where conventional financial assets are represented on blockchain networks.
In February, Franklin Templeton partnered with Binance to allow institutional investors to use tokenized money market fund shares as collateral for digital asset trading.
The company expanded those efforts further in March through a collaboration with Ondo Finance to distribute tokenized exchange-traded funds on blockchain networks.
Last week, Franklin Templeton also proposed innovative investment products that would reinvest stock dividends into Bitcoin-linked strategies.
The firm’s tokenization business has experienced rapid growth over the past year.
Industry data indicate Franklin Templeton’s tokenized assets have increased from approximately $768 million in June 2025 to more than $2.5 billion today, more than tripling within twelve months.
That growth mirrors broader expansion across the tokenized real-world asset sector.
The total value of tokenized assets tracked across blockchain networks has risen from approximately $11.8 billion a year ago to more than $32 billion, highlighting accelerating institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial infrastructure.
The launch of Franklin Crypto carries importance beyond a single acquisition.
With approximately $1.78 trillion in assets under management and operations spanning more than 35 countries, Franklin Templeton ranks among the world’s largest asset managers.
Its decision to establish a dedicated cryptocurrency investment business signals growing confidence among traditional financial institutions that digital assets will remain an enduring part of global capital markets.
The move may also intensify competition among large asset managers seeking exposure to cryptocurrency investing, tokenized securities and blockchain-based financial products.
Traditional financial institutions have increasingly embraced digital assets following the approval of spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds, growing regulatory clarity and rising demand for tokenized financial products. Major asset managers, banks and exchanges are investing heavily in blockchain infrastructure, digital asset custody and tokenization initiatives.
Franklin Templeton has emerged as one of the most active participants in this transformation, combining traditional investment management with blockchain-based financial products. The launch of Franklin Crypto represents the firm’s most direct commitment yet to cryptocurrency investing and reflects a broader trend toward institutional integration of digital assets into mainstream finance.
