Global asset manager Franklin Templeton is deepening its involvement in Bitcoin’s evolving ecosystem by investing in decentralized finance (DeFi) projects that enhance Bitcoin’s utility without undermining its core narrative as a store of value.
Strategic Investment in Bitlayer
In July 2024, Franklin Templeton led an $11 million Series A funding round for Bitlayer, a Bitcoin Layer-2 protocol designed to introduce smart contract capabilities and DeFi functionalities to the Bitcoin network. Bitlayer’s technology is based on the BitVM paradigm, aiming to achieve Turing completeness on Bitcoin without compromising its security. Kevin Farrelly, Managing Principal at Franklin Templeton Digital Assets, stated that Bitlayer’s approach has the potential to unlock new use cases and opportunities for Bitcoin.CoinDesk+4CryptoRank+4CoinDesk+4CoinDesk
Embracing Bitcoin DeFi Without Diluting Its Core Narrative
At the Token2049 conference in Dubai, Farrelly emphasized that expanding Bitcoin’s utility through DeFi does not dilute its core narrative. He argued that integrating DeFi functionalities enhances Bitcoin’s appeal to technically sophisticated investors seeking yield, security, and portfolio customization, thereby building upon its role as a store of value rather than replacing it. “These users aren’t replacing the ‘store of value’ thesis; they’re building on it,” Farrelly added. CoinDesk
Broader Engagement with the DeFi Ecosystem
Beyond Bitcoin, Franklin Templeton is also engaging with other blockchain platforms to foster DeFi innovation. In November 2024, the firm announced a strategic partnership with the Sui blockchain, focusing on supporting ecosystem builders and deploying novel technologies leveraging the Sui blockchain protocol. This collaboration aims to explore diverse opportunities within the digital asset space.Coinspeaker+1The Coin Republic+1markets.businessinsider.com+4The Sui Blog+4The Sui Blog+4
These initiatives underscore Franklin Templeton’s proactive approach to integrating traditional finance with emerging decentralized technologies, aiming to offer investors enhanced utility and access within the evolving digital asset landscape.
Who Is Franklin Templeton?
Franklin Templeton is one of the world’s largest and most established asset management firms, with over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of early 2025. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the firm offers a wide range of investment solutions across mutual funds, ETFs, private equity, digital assets, and alternative investments.
The company is named after Benjamin Franklin—whose image once appeared on the cover of its early brochures—and has grown through both organic expansion and major acquisitions, such as the $4.5 billion purchase of Legg Mason in 2020. With a presence in over 30 countries, Franklin Templeton serves retail investors, financial advisors, and institutional clients worldwide.
In recent years, the firm has demonstrated a forward-looking strategy by embracing blockchain technologies, tokenization, and decentralized finance. Its Franklin Templeton Digital Assets division is dedicated to identifying opportunities in the crypto ecosystem, positioning the firm as a bridge between traditional finance and Web3 innovation.
By backing Bitcoin-native DeFi projects, Franklin Templeton is not just experimenting—it’s signaling institutional validation of crypto beyond Ethereum and smart contract platforms.