Franklin Templeton announced it has agreed to acquire the liquid cryptocurrency strategies and team of 250 Digital, a CoinFund spinoff led by Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns, as part of a broader push into institutional digital asset management.
The transaction will bring 250 Digital’s investment team and actively managed crypto strategies into Franklin Templeton, forming the foundation of a newly established division called Franklin Crypto. The new unit will combine crypto-native expertise with Franklin Templeton’s global distribution capabilities to target institutional investors.
Christopher Perkins will lead Franklin Crypto, with Seth Ginns serving as Chief Investment Officer. They will co-lead the platform alongside Tony Pecore, a digital assets investment veteran at the firm. The division will report to Sandy Kaul, Head of Innovation at Franklin Templeton.
The move expands Franklin Templeton’s existing digital assets platform, which manages approximately $1.8 billion in assets as of the end of 2025, and adds actively managed liquid crypto strategies to its broader suite of blockchain and venture investments.
As part of the transaction, Franklin Templeton will also invest in the acquired strategies. Notably, the deal includes the use of BENJI tokens, tied to the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund, as part of the payment consideration, signaling a step toward executing mergers and acquisitions on blockchain infrastructure.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions including client consents and definitive agreements.
Franklin Templeton, which manages more than $1.7 trillion in assets globally, has been active in digital assets and blockchain innovation since 2018, positioning itself among a small group of large asset managers building institutional-grade crypto investment capabilities.
KEY QUOTES:
“This is an exciting addition for Franklin Templeton, and we’re pleased to welcome Chris, Seth and the 250 Digital team to our firm. Together, their investment talent and differentiated strategies strengthen our capabilities in digital assets and position us among a small group of global asset managers with a dedicated, institutional-grade crypto investment management team, enhancing our ability to serve clients worldwide.”
Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton
“Crypto’s institutional moment has arrived, and Franklin Crypto will help our global clients navigate this complex and rapidly evolving asset class by delivering the expertise, knowledge and digital asset products that meet their sophisticated investment needs. In partnership with Seth, Tony and our teams, we will position Franklin Crypto as the global leader in digital asset management.”
Christopher Perkins, Incoming Head of Franklin Crypto
“We’re thrilled to join Franklin Templeton and work alongside visionary leaders including Jenny and Sandy, who have cemented the firm as an early mover and clear leader in the crypto ecosystem as blockchain technology builders, node operators, thought leaders and active crypto managers. We share a long-term vision, and with the client-centric culture and distribution strengths of Franklin Templeton, we are well positioned to expand our collective reach and accelerate the growth and adoption of our strategies globally.”
Seth Ginns, Incoming Chief Investment Officer of Franklin Crypto
