Franklin Resources Bets on Active Crypto, Acquires 250 Digital

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is included among the 15 Cheapest Stocks with Highest Dividends.

Franklin Resources Bets on Active Crypto, Acquires 250 Digital

On April 1, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) said it has agreed to acquire 250 Digital, which will become part of its newly formed Franklin Crypto unit. The move reflects a deeper push into digital assets. By bringing 250 Digital in-house, the firm aims to expand its actively managed crypto investment offerings for institutional clients. This would go beyond basic exposure through products such as bitcoin ETFs.The firm currently manages $1.8B in global assets.

The deal is expected to close in the second quarter. Part of the payment will be made using BENJI tokens, which represent shares in its blockchain-based mutual fund, the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund. This step aligns with a broader shift across the industry. Institutions are showing more interest in yield-focused and active strategies as passive crypto products, including spot bitcoin and ether ETFs, continue to mature. It also comes as CoinShares began trading on the Nasdaq on April 1.

Franklin Templeton has long been known for active investing. In recent years, it has taken a more progressive stance on digital assets. Its presence in this space includes crypto ETFs, tokenized traditional funds on public blockchains, and partnerships with major crypto platforms such as Binance.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is a global investment management firm. Through its subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton, it serves clients in more than 150 countries. The company offers capabilities across equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset strategies through its specialist investment managers.

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