Tokenization’s Mainstream Moment: Franklin Joins BNB Chain for Institutional Scale

Franklin Templeton, managing $1.6 trillion in assets, has expanded its Benji Technology Platform to BNB Chain, a move aimed at enhancing access to tokenized financial products. The integration leverages BNB Chain’s low-cost, high-throughput infrastructure to create on-chain assets, aligning with the firm’s strategy to push tokenization boundaries while prioritizing security and complianceFranklin Templeton Expands Tokenization Frontiers With Benji …^[1]. Roger Bayston, head of digital assets at Franklin Templeton, emphasized the initiative’s focus on meeting investors where they are active and delivering “greater utility” for both retail and institutional clients$1.6 trillion Franklin Templeton taps BNB Chain for Benji …^[2].

The Benji platform, which already operates on blockchains like Ethereum and Stellar, now supports the tokenized Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund (FOBXX). This fund, with $732 million in total locked value, demonstrates the platform’s capacity to manage real-world assets (RWAs) on public blockchainsFranklin Templeton brings Benji tokenization platform to BNB Chain^[3]. BNB Chain’s infrastructure, highlighted for its fast settlement and compliant data tools, positions it as a key player in the growing RWA market. As of September 2025, over $542 million in tokenized assets reside on BNB Chain, making it the eighth-largest RWA platform globallyFranklin Templeton Expands Tokenization Frontiers With Benji …^[1].

The partnership underscores a broader industry shift toward institutional adoption of tokenization. Sarah Song, BNB Chain’s business development head, noted that Franklin Templeton’s decision reflects confidence in BNB Chain’s ability to support “regulated, real-world assets at scale.” The platform’s integration follows a $30 billion surge in on-chain RWA value since January 2025, with projections estimating the market to reach $30 trillion by 2030Franklin Templeton Expands Tokenization Frontiers With Benji …^[1]. BNB Chain’s native token, BNB, has also seen a 19% monthly gain, trading above $1,000 for the first time.

Franklin Templeton’s expansion to BNB Chain is part of a multiyear strategy to diversify its blockchain footprint. The firm recently partnered with Binance to explore digital asset initiatives, signaling its commitment to cross-platform innovationFranklin Templeton brings Benji tokenization platform to BNB Chain^[3]. The Benji platform’s versatility—spanning eight blockchains—enables the firm to cater to a global audience while adhering to regulatory standards. This approach aligns with industry trends, as traditional finance institutions increasingly adopt blockchain to streamline settlement, reduce costs, and enhance transparencyFranklin Templeton Expands Tokenization Frontiers With Benji …^[1].

Analysts caution that institutional tokenization adoption remains constrained by regulatory fragmentation and legal uncertaintiesFranklin Templeton brings Benji tokenization platform to BNB Chain^[3]. Despite these challenges, Franklin Templeton’s move highlights the growing practicality of blockchain in asset management. By integrating BNB Chain’s infrastructure, the firm reinforces tokenization’s transition from pilot projects to scalable deployment, a shift JPMorgan analysts describe as a “critical step” in mainstream financeFranklin Templeton brings Benji tokenization platform to BNB Chain^[3].