Franklin Templeton Launches Tokenized ETFs in Crypto Wallets

Franklin Templeton has launched tokenized ETFs that trade around the clock directly in crypto wallets, partnering with Ondo Finance to bring one of traditional finance’s largest asset managers fully on-chain.

The $1.5 trillion asset manager announced the product on March 25, making it one of the first major institutional players to offer regulated ETF exposure through blockchain-based settlement and self-custody in crypto wallets. The move eliminates the need for traditional brokerage accounts to access Franklin Templeton’s fund products.

The launch was first flagged by WatcherGuru and confirmed by multiple outlets. Franklin Templeton is working with Ondo Finance to bring 24/7 stock trading to the blockchain, combining regulated fund structures with on-chain settlement rails.

How 24/7 Crypto Wallet Trading Works for Tokenized ETFs

Traditional ETFs trade only during U.S. exchange hours, roughly 6.5 hours per weekday on the NYSE and NASDAQ. Tokenized ETFs use blockchain infrastructure to settle trades continuously, removing that constraint entirely.

Investors hold tokenized ETF shares directly in crypto wallets rather than through a brokerage. Franklin Templeton has prior experience with on-chain fund products through its BENJI tokenized money market fund, which has operated on public blockchain infrastructure since 2023.

A Franklin Templeton executive previously stated that digital wallets will eventually hold the “totality” of people’s assets, signaling the firm’s long-term commitment to on-chain distribution.

Institutional On-Chain Momentum: What the Market Is Watching

Franklin Templeton is not alone in pushing traditional fund products on-chain. BlackRock’s BUIDL tokenized fund, which recently crossed major AUM milestones, has been live since 2024, and firms like WisdomTree and Fidelity have explored similar tokenized structures.

The real-world asset (RWA) tokenization market has expanded significantly through 2025 and into 2026. Franklin Templeton’s entry with full ETF products, not just money market funds, raises the bar for what institutional players are willing to put on-chain.

Traders watching this space will track whether 24/7 institutional ETF liquidity begins to affect broader crypto market dynamics and on-chain volume. The regulatory backdrop has also shifted, with the SEC adopting a more accommodating posture toward tokenized securities under the current administration. Upcoming competing launches and whether on-chain trading volumes accelerate will be the key metrics to monitor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.