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- Franklin Templeton acquires 250 Digital to expand its crypto and tokenization strategy.
- The deal strengthens the bridge between traditional finance and blockchain investment products.
- Partnerships and tokenized ETFs signal rising institutional demand for digital assets.
Franklin Templeton has acquired 250 Digital, a crypto-focused spinoff of CoinFund. The move highlights stronger ties between traditional finance and digital assets. It follows rising institutional interest in blockchain-based investment products worldwide.
The acquired company is headed by Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns. They are known for their experience in the digital asset markets. The company was launched this year.
It launched tokenized money market funds. It also helped launch spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in the United States in 2024.
New Division Targets Institutional Crypto Investors
Franklin Templeton has confirmed that the new company will be called Franklin Crypto once the deal is complete. The terms of the deal are unknown.
The new division will specialize in institutional strategies. This includes pension funds and sovereign wealth funds looking to gain access to digital assets.
Sandy Kaul, Head of Innovation at Franklin Templeton, said market conditions influenced the decision. She pointed to the recent crypto selloff. She said it created a timely opportunity to expand. The firm acted to strengthen its position during this period.
However, the acquisition increases Franklin Templeton’s crypto workforce to over 50 specialists. These teams focus on blockchain systems and tokenized assets. They also develop digital investment strategies. The expansion reflects a broader internal shift toward technology-driven finance.
The firm has also moved forward with tokenization through its partnership with Ondo Finance. This has allowed different ETFs to be included on a blockchain network.
Also Read: Bitcoin Mining Gets a U.S. Boost with New Mined in America Act and Strategic Reserve Plan
The funds may then be traded outside regular business hours. This is a level of flexibility that is often seen with traditional investment products.
Franklin Templeton and Binance Launch Crypto Collateral Program
In February 2026, Franklin Templeton partnered with Binance. The two organizations have established an institutional off-exchange program for collateral.
However, the system is designed to allow shares of money markets to be used as a form of collateral for crypto trading. This is a move that improves the level of liquidity available to traditional and digital markets.
The system utilizes a platform known as Ceffu for custody. It also utilizes the Benji Technology Platform, which is provided by Franklin Templeton.
The strategy is a move that is seen to be a trend among different asset managers. The demand for digital products is still increasing.
However, the firm’s spot Bitcoin ETF holds over $427 million in assets. The tokenized ETFs allow for investment without a brokerage account. It also bridges traditional finance and decentralized systems.
Also Read: Bhutan Moves $25M in Bitcoin—Is a Massive Sell-Off Already Underway?
