Christopher Perkins 🦅🌎⚓️NYC@perkinscr97
Today, I’m very excited to announce that I will be joining @FTI_Global as the head of Franklin Crypto.
The convergence of traditional finance (TradFi) and the digital asset ecosystem is no longer a "future" trend—it is the reality of 2026. As I prepare to step into my new role leading Franklin Crypto with @sethginns and Tony Pecore, I am incredibly energized to help lead this firm’s continued evolution in a space that is fundamentally rewiring how global markets operate.
Crypto’s institutional era is upon us, and to succeed, Franklin Crypto must leverage its deep and unique understanding of crypto and traditional finance to build differentiated, scalable and compliant products for our clients.
My journey has always been defined by a foot in both worlds: the rigorous, disciplined structures of traditional finance and the high-velocity innovation of the crypto markets. At Franklin Templeton, my goal will be to leverage this unique vantage point to partner with our clients, building the institutional-grade products they need to succeed in this new digital frontier.
We aren't just observing the market; we are active participants in its transformation. Markets are tokenizing. The once-distinct lines between crypto and traditional assets are blurring into a single, cohesive financial landscape. Perhaps most importantly, the era of the "9-to-5" market is fading as we embrace the reality of 24/7 global liquidity.
It is fascinating to look back even just a few years. Previously, there was a perceived "reputational risk" for an institution to be involved in crypto. Today, that narrative has completely flipped. In 2026, the true reputational risk lies in not having a digital asset strategy.
As the "Institutional Era" of crypto takes hold, our clients expect more than just exposure—they expect sophisticated navigation with people they can trust. Franklin Templeton has spent years building the foundational infrastructure—including the proprietary Benji Technology platform—and the deep internal expertise necessary to manage these assets with the same precision as any traditional portfolio.
The timing for this transition couldn't be better. We are currently seeing a unique divergence: while broader market sentiment may fluctuate, the underlying fundamentals of the crypto markets continue to improve at an exponential rate.
Our mission is simple: to attract the best investment talent, build leading digital infrastructure and support the needs of our clients in this exciting new world. We differentiate ourselves through an exceptionally deep knowledge of both crypto-native protocols and traditional asset management.
By combining this expertise with Franklin Templeton’s legacy of operational excellence, we are perfectly positioned to deliver for our clients as they scale their own digital journeys. I look forward to what we will build together.
