- Franklin Templeton acquires 250 Digital to launch Franklin Crypto unit targeting institutional investors globally.
- Deal integrates leadership from CoinFund and introduces on-chain settlement using BENJI token infrastructure.
- Expansion aligns with rising institutional demand for regulated crypto strategies and tokenized financial products.
Franklin Templeton plans to acquire 250 Digital, a crypto investment firm formed from CoinFund, to expand its digital asset platform, the company said recently. The deal will bring Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns into leadership roles within a new crypto unit. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending approvals.
New Unit Targets Institutional Demand
The acquisition will form a dedicated division called Franklin Crypto, focused on institutional investors. Christopher Perkins will lead the unit, while Seth Ginns will serve as chief investment officer. Tony Pecore will also join the leadership team.
The new division will report to Sandy Kaul, head of innovation. It will integrate 250 Digital’s team and its liquid crypto strategies into Franklin Templeton’s existing structure. As a result, the firm aims to expand its digital asset investment platform for large clients.
Franklin Templeton Digital Assets managed about $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2025. Additionally, the firm employs over 50 professionals across investment and blockchain development roles.
Deal Structure Introduces On-chain Element
The transaction includes an investment into strategies previously managed by CoinFund. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the deal introduces an on-chain payment component using BENJI tokens.
BENJI represents the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund, launched in 2021. The fund uses blockchain technology to process transactions and track ownership. Notably, it remains the first U.S.-registered mutual fund using this structure.
This payment approach links traditional acquisition processes with blockchain-based settlement. As a result, it reflects Franklin Templeton’s ongoing focus on tokenized financial products.
Broader Push Into Digital Asset Markets
The new unit will target pensions, sovereign wealth funds, and other large institutions. It will offer exposure through regulated strategies, including liquid tokens and venture investments.
Institutional demand for crypto exposure continues despite recent market declines. At the same time, the total digital asset market value has contracted.
However, Franklin Templeton continues to expand its partnerships and infrastructure. The firm recently worked with Binance to enable tokenized fund shares as collateral. It also partnered with Ondo Finance to support tokenized ETFs accessible through crypto wallets.
