Franklin Templeton formally completes the acquisition of 250 Digital and launches “Franklin Crypto” to seize the institutional-funds foothold

According to an official press release issued today (22nd) by the asset management giant Franklin Templeton, the company has officially completed the acquisition of the active cryptocurrency investment firm 250 Digital. This move has led to the establishment of a new dedicated division, "Franklin Crypto," led by industry veterans, leveraging Franklin's global distribution network to fully target the enormous opportunities in the institutional-grade crypto investment market.
(Background: Franklin Templeton applied for two "Bitcoin DRIP" ETFs, with dividends automatically reinvested in BTC, potentially launching as early as September)
(Additional background: Franklin Templeton's acquisition of 250 Digital and the creation of the new "Franklin Crypto" division to expand its crypto business)

Table of Contents

Toggle

• New Franklin Crypto division, led by Wall Street veterans
• Incorporating CoinFund strategies, targeting institutional growth
• Traditional distribution network combined with crypto-native expertise

The pace of traditional finance (TradFi) giants entering the cryptocurrency market continues to accelerate. Franklin Templeton, a global investment powerhouse managing up to $1.78 trillion in assets, officially announced on June 22, 2026, Eastern Time, that it has successfully completed the acquisition of the active crypto investment management firm 250 Digital.

This transaction underscores Franklin Templeton’s long-term commitment to building infrastructure across the digital asset space and demonstrates the firm’s strong confidence in "defining the next generation of institutional investment technology."

New Franklin Crypto division, led by Wall Street veterans

With the acquisition finalized, Franklin Templeton officially announced the creation of a new "Franklin Crypto" division, serving as its dedicated active digital asset management branch. In terms of leadership, the core team from 250 Digital will take on key roles.

According to the press release, crypto industry veteran Christopher Perkins will serve as head of Franklin Crypto, while Seth Ginns will assume the role of Chief Investment Officer (CIO). They will co-lead the division alongside Tony Pecore, a senior digital asset investment expert from Franklin, reporting directly to Sandy Kaul, head of Franklin’s Innovation Department.

Incorporating CoinFund strategies, targeting institutional growth

This acquisition not only includes the full investment team from 250 Digital but also encompasses the entire "liquid cryptocurrency strategies" previously managed by well-known crypto venture capital firm CoinFund. As part of the agreement, Franklin Templeton has committed to directly injecting company funds into these strategies.

The new Franklin Crypto division will build upon Franklin’s existing digital asset capabilities, which include units dedicated to fundamental research, active portfolio construction, and institutional risk oversight.

Traditional distribution network combined with crypto-native expertise

The official emphasizes that the purpose of establishing Franklin Crypto is to integrate 250 Digital’s deep crypto-native expertise with Franklin Templeton’s extensive global distribution network. By offering actively managed crypto strategies tailored for institutional investors, this established asset management giant, founded in 1947, is poised to seize key market share in the multi-trillion-dollar digital asset blue ocean.