United States $1.7 Trillion Asset Manager Franklin Templeton to Buy Cryptocurrency Investment Management Firm 250 Digital & Strategies of CoinFund to Form Newly Created Franklin Crypto, CoinFund Management & 250 Digital Founded by Christopher Perkins & Seth Ginns Who Will Lead Franklin Crypto, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets Reported $1.8 Billion AUM in 2025
17th April 2026 | Hong Kong
United States asset manager Franklin Templeton ($1.7 trillion AUM) has announced to buy cryptocurrency investment management firm 250 Digital & strategies of CoinFund to form newly created Franklin Crypto. CoinFund Management & 250 Digital were founded by Christopher Perkins & Seth Ginns, who will lead Franklin Crypto. Franklin Templeton Digital Assets reported $1.8 billion AUM in 2025. Announcement (1/4/26): “Franklin Templeton, a global investment leader, today announced a plan to acquire 250 Digital, an active cryptocurrency investment management firm led by financial industry veterans Christopher Perkins and Seth Ginns of CoinFund Management LLC. The acquisition would include the 250 Digital investment team and all liquid cryptocurrency strategies previously run by CoinFund. Franklin Templeton will invest in the strategies as part of the agreement. Following Franklin Templeton’s acquisition of 250 Digital, Perkins will head the division and Ginns will serve as Chief Investment Officer, leading the newly formed Franklin Crypto unit alongside Franklin Templeton Digital Assets investment veteran Tony Pecore, bringing together crypto-native expertise with Franklin Templeton’s global distribution to target institutional growth. Reporting to Sandy Kaul, Head of Innovation for Franklin Templeton, Franklin Crypto will expand Franklin Templeton’s existing suite of crypto and blockchain VC investment offerings and will broaden the firm’s digital assets investment management platform. Franklin Templeton Digital Assets manages approximately $1.8 billion in global assets as of December 31, 2025. The transaction is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2026, subject to the execution of definitive transaction agreements, client consents and other customary closing conditions, and will incorporate BENJI tokens as payment consideration, marking an important and innovative step toward conducting M&A transactions on chain. The Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund (FOBXX), better known as BENJI, launched in 2021 and is the world’s first U.S.-registered mutual fund to use blockchain-integrated technology to process transactions and record share ownership. Franklin Templeton is a pioneer in digital asset investing and blockchain innovation, combining tokenomics research, data science, and technical expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions since 2018. Learn more at Franklin Templeton Digital Assets.” In 2026 April, Franklin Templeton ($1.7 trillion AUM) appointed Singapore-based digital market infrastructure operator Marketnode as authorised distributor for Franklin Templeton tokenized USD money market fund (Franklin OnChain USD Short-Term MMF). The fund generates income by investing in high quality & short-term United States government securities. In 2026 February, Franklin Templeton & cryptocurrency exchange Binance have announced the new institutional collateral program using tokenized money market fund shares (Issued on Franklin Templeton Benji technology platform) as off-exchange collateral to trade on Binance, which reduces counterparty risk instead of holding the collaterals (money market fund shares) directly on the cryptocurrency exchange. In 2025 November, Franklin Templeton announced the launch of Singapore first money market tokenized retail fund (Franklin Onchain U.S. Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund) for DBS wealth & accredited clients (Retail clients access available from 2026 Q1) with minimum investment sum of only $20 (S$26). The fund uses Franklin Templeton proprietary Benji technology platform (Blockchain), which provides real-time fund data, improved liquidity & daily yield accrual. In 2025 November, Franklin Templeton launched a tokenized USD money market fund (Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund) for professional investors in Hong Kong, with the fund generating income by investing in high quality & short-term United States government securities. In 2025 September, Singapore largest bank DBS, Franklin Templeton & digital asset infrastructure platform Ripple formed a partnership to launch trading & lending solutions for accredited & institution investors powered by tokenised money market funds & stablecoins. DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) will list sgBENJI (Token of Franklin Templeton Tokenised Money Market Fund), Franklin Onchain U.S. Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund & RLUSD (Ripple USD).
“ United States $1.7 Trillion Asset Manager Franklin Templeton to Buy Cryptocurrency Investment Management Firm 250 Digital & Strategies of CoinFund to Form Newly Created Franklin Crypto, CoinFund Management & 250 Digital Founded by Christopher Perkins & Seth Ginns Who Will Lead Franklin Crypto, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets Reported $1.8 Billion AUM in 2025 “
![](https://www.caproasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Air-Charter-Service-728x90-1.png")
Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton: “This is an exciting addition for Franklin Templeton, and we’re pleased to welcome Chris, Seth and the 250 Digital team to our firm. Together, their investment talent and differentiated strategies strengthen our capabilities in digital assets and position us among a small group of global asset managers with a dedicated, institutional-grade crypto investment management team, enhancing our ability to serve clients worldwide.”
Christopher Perkins: “Crypto’s institutional moment has arrived, and Franklin Crypto will help our global clients navigate this complex and rapidly evolving asset class by delivering the expertise, knowledge and digital asset products that meet their sophisticated investment needs. In partnership with Seth, Tony and our teams, we will position Franklin Crypto as the global leader in digital asset management.”
Seth Ginns: “We’re thrilled to join Franklin Templeton and work alongside visionary leaders including Jenny and Sandy, who have cemented the firm as an early mover and clear leader in the crypto ecosystem as blockchain technology builders, node operators, thought leaders and active crypto managers. We share a long-term vision, and with the client-centric culture and distribution strengths of Franklin Templeton, we are well positioned to expand our collective reach and accelerate the growth and adoption of our strategies globally.”
Franklin Templeton – Franklin Templeton is a trusted investment partner, delivering tailored solutions that align with clients’ strategic goals. With deep portfolio management expertise across public and private markets, we combine investment excellence with cutting-edge technology. Since our founding in 1947, we have empowered clients through strategic partnership, forward-looking insights, and continuous innovation – providing the tools and resources to navigate change and capture opportunity. With more than $1.7 trillion in assets under management as of February 28, 2026, Franklin Templeton operates globally in more than 35 countries.
United States $1.7 Trillion Asset Manager Franklin Templeton Appoints Singapore-Based Digital Market Infrastructure Operator Marketnode as Authorised Distributor for Franklin Templeton Tokenized USD Money Market Fund (Franklin OnChain USD Short-Term MMF), Fund Generates Income by Investing in High Quality & Short-Term United States Government Securities
8th April 2026 – United States asset manager Franklin Templeton ($1.7 trillion AUM) has appointed Singapore-based digital market infrastructure operator Marketnode as authorised distributor for Franklin Templeton tokenized USD money market fund (Franklin OnChain USD Short-Term MMF). The fund generates income by investing in high quality & short-term United States government securities. Announcement (31/3/26): “Marketnode, a digital market infrastructure operator backed by Euroclear, HSBC, SGX Group and Temasek, is pleased to announce our appointment as an authorised distributor for Franklin Templeton’s Franklin OnChain USD Short-Term MMF. The fund invests in a portfolio of high-quality, USD-denominated debt and money market instruments, and leverages Franklin Templeton’s proprietary Benji Technology platform for blockchain-integrated recordkeeping, enabling enhanced transparency and greater accessibility. Future phases of the collaboration will look to broaden access to other Franklin Templeton funds.” In 2026 February, Franklin Templeton & cryptocurrency exchange Binance have announced the new institutional collateral program using tokenized money market fund shares (Issued on Franklin Templeton Benji technology platform) as off-exchange collateral to trade on Binance, which reduces counterparty risk instead of holding the collaterals (money market fund shares) directly on the cryptocurrency exchange. In 2025 November, Franklin Templeton announced the launch of Singapore first money market tokenized retail fund (Franklin Onchain U.S. Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund) for DBS wealth & accredited clients (Retail clients access available from 2026 Q1) with minimum investment sum of only $20 (S$26). The fund uses Franklin Templeton proprietary Benji technology platform (Blockchain), which provides real-time fund data, improved liquidity & daily yield accrual. In 2025 November, Franklin Templeton launched a tokenized USD money market fund (Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund) for professional investors in Hong Kong, with the fund generating income by investing in high quality & short-term United States government securities. In 2025 September, Singapore largest bank DBS, Franklin Templeton & digital asset infrastructure platform Ripple formed a partnership to launch trading & lending solutions for accredited & institution investors powered by tokenised money market funds & stablecoins. DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) will list sgBENJI (Token of Franklin Templeton Tokenised Money Market Fund), Franklin Onchain U.S. Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund & RLUSD (Ripple USD).
Andrew Scott, Head of Digital Assets at Marketnode: ”We are thrilled to partner with Franklin Templeton, a global leader in asset management and digital asset innovation. Marketnode’s appointment underscores our commitment to bringing the highest quality of investment options to our clients.”
Roger Bayston, Head of Digital Assets at Franklin Templeton: “We are pleased to parter with Marketnode to distribute BENJI, the Franklin OnChain U.S. Dollar Short‑Term Money Market Fund in Singapore. Marketnode brings strong market infrastructure capabilities, a commitment to high regulatory standards, and a shared vision for expanding access to digitally‑enabled investment solutions. This collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver money market exposure to their client base through innovative blockchain technology, while ensuring robust governance and compliance across the distribution chain. We look forward to deepening this partnership as we explore opportunities to expand our suite of tokenized funds globally.”
Marketnode – Marketnode, backed by Euroclear, HSBC, SGX Group and Temasek, is Asia-Pacific’s trusted and neutral digital market infrastructure (DMI) operator. Our DMI is built on three key pillars: data services, transaction management, and tokenisation with registrar capabilities—supporting anchor asset classes such as credit, funds, and structured products. Marketnode’s modular suite of solutions provides the financial ecosystem with a ready-to-use infrastructure. built on blockchain, enabling institutions to enhance their operational performance, accelerate time to market and capture new business opportunities.
Franklin Templeton – Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton is a trusted investment partner, delivering tailored solutions that align with clients’ strategic goals. With deep portfolio management expertise across public and private markets, we combine investment excellence with cutting-edge technology. Since our founding in 1947, we have empowered clients through strategic partnership, forward-looking insights, and continuous innovation – providing the tools and resources to navigate change and capture opportunity. With more than $1.7 trillion in assets under management as of February 28, 2026, Franklin Templeton operates globally in more than 35 countries.
United States $1.6 Trillion Asset Manager Franklin Templeton & Cryptocurrency Exchange Binance Announced New Institutional Collateral Program Using Tokenized Money Market Fund Shares (Issued on Franklin Templeton Benji Technology Platform) as Off-Exchange Collateral to Trade on Binance Which Reduces Counterparty Risk Instead of Holding the Collaterals (Money Market Fund Shares) Directly on the Cryptocurrency Exchange
11th February 2026 – United States asset manager Franklin Templeton ($1.6 trillion AUM) & cryptocurrency exchange Binance have announced the new institutional collateral program using tokenized money market fund shares (Issued on Franklin Templeton Benji technology platform) as off-exchange collateral to trade on Binance, which reduces counterparty risk instead of holding the collaterals (money market fund shares) directly on the cryptocurrency exchange. Announcement (11/2/26): “Franklin Templeton, a global investment leader and Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, today announced a new institutional off-exchange collateral program, making digital markets more secure and capital- efficient. Now live, eligible clients in selected jurisdictions can use tokenized money market fund shares issued through Franklin Templeton’s Benji Technology Platform as off-exchange collateral when trading on Binance. The program alleviates a long-standing pain point for institutional traders by allowing them to use traditional regulated, yield-bearing money market fund assets in digital markets without parking those assets on an exchange. Instead, the value of Benji-issued fund shares is mirrored within Binance’s trading environment, while the tokenized assets themselves remain securely held off-exchange in regulated custody. This reduces counterparty risk, letting institutional participants earn yield and support their trading activity without hedging on custody, liquidity, or regulatory protections. Assets participating in the program remain held off-exchange in custody, arrangements provided by Ceffu, with tokenized money market fund shares pledged as collateral for trading on Binance … … Launching the institutional off-exchange collateral program expands on both Franklin Templeton’s and Binance’s growing networks of off-exchange program partners and represents another effort since announcing Franklin Templeton and Binance’s strategic collaboration in September 2025. By using Benji to bridge tokenized money market funds, Franklin Templeton is taking trusted investment products and making them work in modern markets—allowing institutions to trade, manage risk, and move capital more efficiently as digital finance becomes an everyday part of the financial system. Offering more tokenized real-world assets on Binance meets the increasing institutional demand for stable, yield-bearing collateral that can settle 24/7. This gives investors greater choice and enhances their trading experience on the world’s largest digital asset exchange. Franklin Templeton is a pioneer in digital asset investing and blockchain innovation, combining tokenomics research, data science, and technical expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions since 2018.” In 2025 November, Franklin Templeton announced the launch of Singapore first money market tokenized retail fund (Franklin Onchain U.S. Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund) for DBS wealth & accredited clients (Retail clients access available from 2026 Q1) with minimum investment sum of only $20 (S$26). The fund uses Franklin Templeton proprietary Benji technology platform (Blockchain), which provides real-time fund data, improved liquidity & daily yield accrual. In 2025 November, Franklin Templeton launched a tokenized USD money market fund (Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund) for professional investors in Hong Kong, with the fund generating income by investing in high quality & short-term United States government securities. In 2025 September, Singapore largest bank DBS, Franklin Templeton & digital asset infrastructure platform Ripple formed a partnership to launch trading & lending solutions for accredited & institution investors powered by tokenised money market funds & stablecoins. DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) will list sgBENJI (Token of Franklin Templeton Tokenised Money Market Fund), Franklin Onchain U.S. Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund & RLUSD (Ripple USD).
Roger Bayston, Head of Digital Assets at Franklin Templeton: “Since partnering in 2025, our work with Binance has focused on making digital finance actually work for institutions. Our off-exchange collateral program is just that: letting clients easily put their assets to work in regulated custody while safely earning yield in new ways. That’s the future Benji was designed for, and working with partners like Binance allows us to deliver it at scale.”
Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at Binance: “Partnering with Franklin Templeton to offer tokenized real-world assets for off-exchange collateral settlement is a natural next step in our mission to bring digital assets and traditional finance closer together. Innovating ways to use traditional financial instruments on-chain opens up new opportunities for investors and shows just how blockchain technology can make markets more efficient”
Ian Loh, CEO of Ceffu: “Institutions increasingly require trading models that prioritize risk management without sacrificing capital efficiency. This program demonstrates how off-exchange collateral can support institutional participation in digital markets while maintaining strong custody and control.”
Binance – Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means. Binance is not licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) or the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Ceffu – Ceffu is an institutional-grade custody platform offering custody and liquidity solutions that are ISO 27001 & 27701 certified and SOC2 Type 2 attested. Our multi-party computation (MPC) technology, combined with a customizable multi-approval scheme, provides bespoke solutions allowing institutional clients to safely store and manage their virtual assets. For the purposes of this program, custody services for Benji-issued tokenized money market fund shares are provided by Ceffu Custody FZE, a virtual asset custodian licensed and supervised in Dubai. Ceffu is not licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) or the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Franklin Templeton – Franklin Templeton is a trusted investment partner, delivering tailored solutions that align with clients’ strategic goals. With deep portfolio management expertise across public and private markets, we combine investment excellence with cutting-edge technology. Since our founding in 1947, we have empowered clients through strategic partnership, forward-looking insights, and continuous innovation – providing the tools and resources to navigate change and capture opportunity.
Caproasia Users
- Manage $20 million to $30 billion of assets
- Invest $3 million to $300 million
- Advise institutions, billionaires, UHNWs & HNWs
Caproasia Platforms | 11,000 Investors & Advisors
- Caproasia.com
- Caproasia Access
- Caproasia Events
- The Financial Centre | Find Services
- Membership
- Family Office Circle
- Professional Investor Circle
- Investor Relations Network
Monthly Roundtable & Networking
Family Office Programs
The 2026 Investment Day
- March - Hong Kong
- March - Singapore
- April - Hong Kong
- April - Singapore
- July - Hong Kong
- July - Singapore
- Sept- Hong Kong
- Sept - Singapore
- Oct- Hong Kong
- Nov - Singapore
- Visit: The Investment Day | Register: Click here
Caproasia Summits
- The Institutional Investor Summit
- The Investment / Alternatives Summit
- The Private Wealth Summit
- The Family Office Summit
- The CEO & Entrepreneur Summit
- The Capital Markets Summit
- The ESG / Sustainable Investment Summit
