Franklin Templeton launches crypto division with 250 Digital acquisition

The asset manager is creating a new “Franklin Crypto” unit to expand beyond ETFs and target institutional demand for active digital asset strategies. What to know : Franklin Templeton is launching a dedicated cryptocurrency division, Franklin Crypto, anchored by its planned acquisition of crypto investment firm 250 Digital. The new unit will consolidate 250 Digital’s liquid crypto strategies, formerly managed by CoinFund, under leadership from ex-CoinFund executives and Franklin Templeton’s digital assets team to offer more active, institutional-focused crypto investments. Part of the acquisition will be paid using BENJI tokens tied to Franklin Templeton’s on-chain U.S. Government Money Fund, signaling an experimental step toward using tokenized assets to settle mergers and acquisitions, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.