Jenny Johnson of Franklin Templeton discusses Bitcoin ETFs, cryptocurrency investments, and her firm’s utilization of blockchain technology
Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson Discusses the Company’s Blockchain Strategy and Future Plans
Franklin Templeton has been at the forefront of exploring blockchain technology, with recent plans to file an application for a Bitcoin ETF. This move has generated interest from investors, with Johnson promoting her firm’s belief in the blockchain space in her interview with Fortune at the Fortune Global Forum in Abu Dhabi.
Blockchain and the Firm’s Long-Term Strategy
In the interview, Johnson emphasizes the importance of differentiating Bitcoin and blockchain. There is a demand for Bitcoin, and several ETFs have emerged to meet that demand. However, Johnson is focused on the potential of blockchain technology. She highlights that it is not just about Bitcoin, but about the fundamental change that blockchain can bring to financial markets. The technology will enable access to private markets and democratize ownership, by reducing transactional friction. She also mentions that blockchain will have the potential to create and transfer ownership of traditionally hard-to-process assets.
Plans for Future Blockchain and Crypto Products
Johnson suggests that reducing friction in transactions will unlock nontraditional, non-correlated types of asset classes and that these developments will be more efficient than traditional methods. Her firm already developed a tokenized money-market fund and serves as a node validator. Although these initiatives are still in their early stages, they demonstrate the firm’s commitment to blockchain technology.
Johnson also discusses the potential of a spot Bitcoin ETF, stating that there is demand for Bitcoin, but it is a riskier asset. She emphasizes the need for responsible investing in Bitcoin.
Insights into Johnson’s Personal Investments
In a unique addition to the interview, Johnson reveals that she personally invests in cryptocurrency. She holds a diverse portfolio including Ethereum, Bitcoin, SushiSwap, and Uniswap.
Looking Ahead – The Future of Blockchain and Crypto Products
When asked about plans for launching other blockchain or crypto-related products, Johnson indicates that ETFs are not widely used in retirement plans, but she alludes to the possibility of tokenizing other funds in the future. She also mentions the firm’s success with its tokenized U.S. money-market fund.
Venturing into NFTs
The interview also touches on Franklin Templeton’s foray into the world of NFTs, with Johnson stating that while she sees opportunities in the space, she primarily focuses on investments with the potential for financial returns.
Interview Concludes
The interview concludes with Johnson expressing Franklin Templeton’s commitment to leveraging technology to provide active, risk-adjusted investment services. Overall, the interview provides detailed insights into Franklin Templeton’s current and future strategies for blockchain and crypto-related products.
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