Written by Nate Kostarstaff writerReviewed by Sam Bourgistaff writer

Written by Nate Kostarstaff writer

Reviewed by Sam Bourgistaff writer

Franklin Templeton launches dedicated crypto division after closing 250 Digital acquisition

Latest NewsPublishedJun 22, 2026

The new unit arrives amid rapid growth in tokenized assets, with Franklin Templeton’s onchain product suite expanding from roughly $768 million to more than $2.5 billion over the past year.

Global asset manager Franklin Templeton has completed its acquisition of crypto asset manager 250 Digital, closing a deal first revealed in April and expanding its digital asset business with a new division focused on cryptocurrency investing.

As part of the transaction, Franklin Templeton absorbed 250 Digital’s investment team and cryptocurrency strategies into a newly created division called Franklin Crypto. The unit will be led by former 250 Digital executives Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns alongside Franklin Templeton digital assets executive Tony Pecore.

The acquisition follows CoinFund’s decision earlier this year to spin out its liquid strategies business into 250 Digital as the crypto investment firm sharpened its focus on venture investing.

Franklin Templeton stated Franklin Crypto will offer institutional investors actively managed cryptocurrency strategies, combining the investment capabilities of the former 250 Digital team with the asset manager’s global distribution network. The company did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition.

The new division builds on the asset manager’s existing digital asset business, which includes a dedicated unit focused on digital asset research, portfolio construction and institutional risk management. Franklin Templeton manages approximately $1.78 trillion in assets and operates in more than 35 countries, as reported by the company. 

Related: Blockworks acquires Messari in crypto data consolidation push

Franklin Templeton broadens crypto and tokenization efforts

The acquisition is the latest in a series of moves by Franklin Templeton to expand its digital asset business across cryptocurrency investing and tokenized financial products.

In February, the company revealed a partnership with Binance that lets institutional investors utilize tokenized money market fund shares as collateral for cryptocurrency trading. Under the framework, the tokenized fund shares remained in regulated custody while their collateral value is reflected within Binance’s trading system.

In March, Franklin Templeton partnered with Ondo Finance to offer tokenized exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on blockchain networks, expanding access to its investment products beyond traditional brokerage accounts. Last week, the firm also proposed two ETFs that would reinvest stock dividends into Bitcoin-linked investments, creating a hybrid strategy spanning equities and digital assets.

RWA.xyz data shows Franklin Templeton’s tokenized assets have more than tripled over the past year, rising from about $768 million in June 2025 to more than $2.5 billion today.

The broader tokenized asset market has also expanded rapidly, with onchain RWA value rising from about $11.8 billion to $32.2 billion over the past year.

The value of Franklin Templeton’s tokenized assets. Source: RWA.xyz

Magazine: Bitcoin, the ‘canary in the coal mine,’ XRP transaction demand falls 91.5%: Market Moves

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

• RWA Tokenization
• RWA
• ETF
• Bitcoin ETF
• Industry

More on the subject

Andrew Cuomo to lead joint TradFi-crypto venture between OKX and Intercontinental Exchange

3 hours ago

Turner Wright

Here’s what happened in crypto today

7 hours ago

Cointelegraph

MoneyGram joins Solana as validator, expanding role in blockchain infrastructure

14 hours ago

Nate Kostar

Andrew Cuomo to lead joint TradFi-crypto venture between OKX and Intercontinental Exchange

3 hours ago

Turner Wright

Here’s what happened in crypto today

7 hours ago

Cointelegraph

MoneyGram joins Solana as validator, expanding role in blockchain infrastructure

14 hours ago

Nate Kostar