U.S. asset management giant Franklin Templeton acquired 250 Digital, including its team of cryptocurrency investment specialists, and is launching a dedicated division that will offer actively managed digital asset strategies for large institutional investors.
Franklin Templeton announced the acquisition of crypto investment firm 250 Digital and the creation of Franklin Crypto, a standalone digital asset management division built on the acquired business.
Franklin Templeton is one of the largest and longest-established asset management firms in the U.S. The company oversees more than $1.6 trillion in assets and provides investment services to both retail and institutional clients worldwide.
The acquisition of 250 Digital forms part of Franklin Templeton’s strategy to expand its presence in the digital asset market and strengthen infrastructure for institutional cryptocurrency investing. As part of the transaction, Franklin Templeton acquired 250 Digital’s investment team, as well as all liquid digital asset strategies previously managed by CoinFund.
Franklin Crypto will include:
- digital asset fundamental research teams;
- portfolio construction specialists;
- institutional risk management units; and
- experts who previously worked at 250 Digital.
The new division will focus on actively managed cryptocurrency investment strategies for institutional clients. Christopher Perkins, Former Head of 250 Digital, will lead the business. Seth Ginns will serve as Chief Investment Officer, and Franklin Templeton Digital Assets investment veteran Tony Pecore will also join the leadership team. Franklin Crypto will report to Sandy Kaul, Head of Innovation at Franklin Templeton.
According to the company, Franklin Crypto will combine expertise from cryptocurrency industry professionals with Franklin Templeton’s global distribution network. The firm also plans to invest its own capital in 250 Digital’s liquid digital asset strategies.
Franklin Templeton said the transaction reflects its long-term commitment to supporting the development of the digital asset ecosystem. The launch of Franklin Crypto also highlights growing interest among traditional financial institutions in institutional-grade cryptocurrency investment solutions. In this context, Franklin Templeton and Binance announced a strategic partnership in September 2025.
