Key Takeaways
- • Franklin Templeton completed its acquisition of 250 Digital, a cryptocurrency investment management firm spun out from CoinFund, establishing the newly formed Franklin Crypto division to serve institutional investors including pension and sovereign funds.
- • The acquisition includes 250 Digital's investment team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously managed by CoinFund, with Franklin Templeton investing capital into the strategies as part of the deal terms; purchase price was undisclosed but includes partial payment in Franklin's BENJI tokens.
- • Leadership of Franklin Crypto comprises Christopher Perkins (head) and Seth Ginns (Chief Investment Officer) from 250 Digital, alongside Franklin Templeton Digital Assets veteran Tony Pecore, reporting to Sandy Kaul, Head of Innovation—combining crypto-native expertise with Franklin Templeton's institutional distribution capabilities.
- • Franklin Templeton Digital Assets currently manages approximately $1.8 billion in global assets as of December 31, 2025, with this acquisition positioned to expand the firm's suite of actively managed crypto and blockchain venture capital investment offerings across the multi-trillion-dollar digital asset market.
- • The acquisition was advised by Skadden, underscoring Franklin Templeton's strategic commitment to deepening its cryptocurrency and blockchain capabilities for institutional clients seeking sophisticated digital asset management solutions.
Summary
Franklin Templeton announced the completion of its acquisition of 250 Digital, an active cryptocurrency investment management firm, on April 1, 2026, marking a significant expansion of the investment management giant's digital assets business. The transaction includes the acquisition of 250 Digital's investment team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously operated by CoinFund Management LLC, with Franklin Templeton committing capital into these strategies as part of the acquisition agreement. While the purchase price remained undisclosed, partial consideration was provided in Franklin's BENJI tokens, reflecting the firm's commitment to digital asset mechanisms.
The newly established Franklin Crypto division will be led by Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns, both veteran financial industry professionals from 250 Digital and CoinFund Management. Perkins will serve as head of the division while Ginns assumes the role of Chief Investment Officer. Alongside them, Tony Pecore, an investment veteran from Franklin Templeton Digital Assets, will contribute to the unit's leadership. The team reports to Sandy Kaul, Franklin Templeton's Head of Innovation, positioning Franklin Crypto to leverage both deep cryptocurrency expertise and Franklin Templeton's extensive global institutional distribution network.
As of December 31, 2025, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets managed approximately $1.8 billion in global assets. The acquisition of 250 Digital and establishment of Franklin Crypto are designed to expand Franklin Templeton's existing suite of actively managed cryptocurrency and blockchain venture capital investment offerings, broadening the firm's digital assets investment management platform. This strategic move targets institutional growth, particularly among pension funds and sovereign wealth funds seeking sophisticated, actively managed exposure to the digital asset market.
Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton, affirmed the firm's confidence in the transaction, stating: "This is an exciting addition for Franklin Templeton, and we're pleased to welcome Chris, Seth and the 250 Digital team to our firm." The acquisition was advised by Skadden, a leading global law firm, underscoring the transaction's institutional significance and complexity. Franklin Templeton's digital asset strategy builds on foundations established since 2018, when the firm began developing expertise in digital asset networks, platforms, and product development.
The newly established Franklin Crypto division will be led by Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns, both veteran financial industry professionals from 250 Digital and CoinFund Management. Perkins will serve as head of the division while Ginns assumes the role of Chief Investment Officer. Alongside them, Tony Pecore, an investment veteran from Franklin Templeton Digital Assets, will contribute to the unit's leadership. The team reports to Sandy Kaul, Franklin Templeton's Head of Innovation, positioning Franklin Crypto to leverage both deep cryptocurrency expertise and Franklin Templeton's extensive global institutional distribution network.
As of December 31, 2025, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets managed approximately $1.8 billion in global assets. The acquisition of 250 Digital and establishment of Franklin Crypto are designed to expand Franklin Templeton's existing suite of actively managed cryptocurrency and blockchain venture capital investment offerings, broadening the firm's digital assets investment management platform. This strategic move targets institutional growth, particularly among pension funds and sovereign wealth funds seeking sophisticated, actively managed exposure to the digital asset market.
Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton, affirmed the firm's confidence in the transaction, stating: "This is an exciting addition for Franklin Templeton, and we're pleased to welcome Chris, Seth and the 250 Digital team to our firm." The acquisition was advised by Skadden, a leading global law firm, underscoring the transaction's institutional significance and complexity. Franklin Templeton's digital asset strategy builds on foundations established since 2018, when the firm began developing expertise in digital asset networks, platforms, and product development.
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