Global asset manager Franklin Templeton has completed its acquisition of crypto asset manager 250 Digital, closing a deal first announced in April and expanding its digital assets business with a up-to-date division focused on cryptocurrency investing.
As part of the transaction, Franklin Templeton absorbed 250 Digital’s investment and cryptocurrency strategies team into a newly formed division called Franklin Crypto. The unit will be led by former 250 Digital executives Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns, and Tony Pecore, Franklin Templeton’s chief digital asset officer.
The acquisition follows CoinFund’s decision earlier this year to spin off its liquid strategies business into 250 Digital as the cryptocurrency investment firm focused on venture investing.
Franklin Templeton said Franklin Crypto will offer institutional investors actively managed cryptocurrency strategies, combining the investment capabilities of the former 250 Digital team with the asset manager’s global distribution network. The company did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition.
The up-to-date division builds on the digital asset manager’s existing business, which includes a dedicated unit focused on digital asset research, portfolio construction and institutional risk management. Franklin Templeton manages approximately $1.78 trillion in assets and operates in more than 35 countries, according to the company.
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Franklin Templeton Expands Cryptography and Tokenization Efforts
The acquisition is the latest in a series of moves by Franklin Templeton to expand its digital assets business to include investing in cryptocurrencies and tokenized financial products.
In February, the company announced a partnership with Binance that allows institutional investors to utilize tokenized shares of money market funds as collateral for cryptocurrency trading. Under this framework, tokenized fund shares remained in regulated custody and their collateral value is reflected in the Binance trading system.
In March, Franklin Templeton partnered with Ondo Finance to offer tokenized ETFs on blockchain networks, expanding access to its investment products beyond customary brokerage accounts. Last week, the company also proposed two ETFs that would reinvest stock dividends into Bitcoin-linked investments, creating a hybrid strategy of equities and digital assets.
RWA.xyz data shows that Franklin Templeton’s tokenized assets have more than tripled over the past year, from approximately $768 million in June 2025 to over $2.5 billion today.
The broader market for tokenized assets has also expanded rapidly, with onchain RWA increasing from approximately $11.8 billion to $32.2 billion over the past year.
Value of Franklin Templeton’s tokenized assets. Source: RWA.xyz
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