Franklin Templeton launches active crypto management division

Franklin Templeton, an asset manager with nearly $2 trillion in assets under management, has launched a dedicated crypto division to build an active management business for institutional investors. Chris Perkins has been placed in charge of the new Franklin Crypto unit, which was formed following the acquisition of a crypto firm in June. The acquisition was executed using the firm's native token, Benji, which accrues interest upon receipt.

Perkins stated that Franklin Templeton began its digital asset strategy in 2018, establishing a foundation that includes running its own nodes and developing composable products such as yielding tokens. The new division targets institutional clients, including sovereign wealth funds and public company CEOs, who require intermediaries to manage security, regulatory, and operational risks. Perkins described global demand for education and solutions in this space as insatiable, noting that institutions are entering the market to avoid being left behind. He argued that the firm's early adoption and technological sophistication provide a competitive advantage in navigating the complexities of tokenized assets and continuous trading markets.