Franklin Templeton president and CEO Jenny Johnson said that they have actively integrated blockchain into their business model and that she’s personally overseeing developments linked to cryptocurrencies.
By Bhushan Akolkar
Edited by Julia Sakovich
Updated
3 mins read
Jenny Johnson, the President and CEO of Franklin Templeton managing assets over $1.3 trillion, highlighted the pivotal role of tokenization in the financial sector during the Fortune Global Forum in Abu Dhabi.
Following Franklin Templeton’s recent application for a Bitcoin ETF, Johnson’s remarks signify a broader recognition of blockchain technology’s potential, particularly in democratizing private markets and enhancing transactional efficiency through tokenization.
In her statements, Franklin Templeton CEO drew a distinction between Bitcoin and blockchain, acknowledging the demand for Bitcoin ETFs but expressing greater excitement about blockchain’s transformative impact on financial transactions. She explained how blockchain’s cost reduction and operational streamlining make it easier to fractionalize ownership of previously challenging-to-manage assets, potentially introducing new asset classes and unique opportunities for Franklin Templeton’s clients.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Franklin Templeton has actively integrated blockchain into its business model, including the development of a tokenized money-market fund and participation in various blockchain-based projects. Johnson outlined the benefits of blockchain, emphasizing features such as atomic settlement to reduce fraud risks and latency, thereby enhancing financial operation efficiency and transparency.
While recognizing the uncertainty surrounding the approval of the first Bitcoin spot ETF, Johnson remains optimistic about its potential impact. She also disclosed her personal involvement in cryptocurrency investments, including mainstream choices like Ethereum and Bitcoin.
Looking ahead, Johnson envisions Franklin Templeton expanding its offerings in the blockchain and crypto space, aligning with the evolving landscape of the financial sector.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a significant step by initiating proceedings, through separate orders filed last week. The securities regulator seeks to conduct additional analysis on the proposals submitted by Franklin Templeton. This move aims to ensure full compliance with the Securities Exchange Act and investor protection rules, according to statements from the SEC.
Franklin Templeton has submitted a proposal to list the Franklin Bitcoin ETF, designed to track the price movements of Bitcoin. The SEC’s decision to initiate proceedings reflects its commitment to a thorough evaluation of these proposals to uphold regulatory standards and protect investor interests.
In a recent development, Franklin Templeton has submitted an updated S-1 filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the approval of a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). This revised proposal includes provisions for utilizing both in-kind and cash mechanisms, showcasing the company’s commitment to complying with regulatory standards.
The ETF will track the performance of Bitcoin’s price before fees and expenses and will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange’s Arca platform. Franklin Templeton plans to store Bitcoin in cold storage, with custody services to be provided by Coinbase Custody Trust. This submission follows the SEC’s decision to postpone the consideration of the initial proposal.
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Bhushan is a FinTech enthusiast and holds a good flair in understanding financial markets. His interest in economics and finance draw his attention towards the new emerging Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency markets. He is continuously in a learning process and keeps himself motivated by sharing his acquired knowledge. In free time he reads thriller fictions novels and sometimes explore his culinary skills.
