Global asset manager Franklin Templeton is accelerating its push into digital assets with a new acquisition that signals growing institutional confidence in crypto markets. The firm has announced plans to acquire 250 Digital, a spinoff from CoinFund, as part of its broader strategy to scale crypto investment offerings.
The deal will lead to the creation of a new dedicated division called “Franklin Crypto,” focused on institutional crypto investment management. This move reflects the company’s long-term commitment to building infrastructure in the digital asset space despite ongoing market volatility.
What the 250 Digital Acquisition Means for Franklin Templeton
The acquisition of 250 Digital includes its full investment team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed under CoinFund. Franklin Templeton will also invest in these strategies, strengthening its position as a major institutional player in crypto finance.
Leadership for the new Franklin Crypto unit will include Christopher Perkins, with Seth Ginns serving as chief investment officer alongside Tony Pecore. This leadership structure combines expertise from both traditional finance and digital assets, positioning the firm to better serve institutional clients.
A notable component of the deal is the integration of BENJI tokens, which represent shares in the Franklin OnChain US Government Money Fund (FOBXX). These tokenized assets highlight the company’s early adoption of blockchain-based financial products, dating back to 2021.
he transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending standard approvals and conditions.
Institutional Crypto Growth Amid Market Downturn
Franklin Templeton’s crypto division currently manages around $1.8 billion in assets and has been active in the space since 2018. The firm gained further recognition after launching a US-listed spot Bitcoin ETF alongside competitors like BlackRock in 2024.
Despite a challenging market environment—where Bitcoin has fallen roughly 45% from its October 2025 peak—the company sees opportunity. Market downturns are often viewed by institutional investors as strategic entry points for long-term growth.
