Franklin Templeton Leverages BNB Chain to Accelerate Tokenization's $30T Future

Franklin Templeton, the global asset manager overseeing $1.6 trillion in assets under management, has expanded its proprietary Benji Technology Platform to the BNB Chain ecosystem, marking a strategic move to enhance tokenization capabilities and broaden access to blockchain-based financial products. The integration leverages BNB Chain’s scalable, low-cost infrastructure, which supports fast transaction settlement and compliant data tools, to create new on-chain financial assets for both retail and institutional clients. This development aligns with the firm’s broader vision to push the boundaries of tokenization while maintaining security and regulatory compliance.

The Benji platform, which has previously operated on blockchains such as Ethereum, Solana, and Stellar, now introduces a key innovation: the Intraday Yield feature. Launched in June 2025, this functionality enables precise, second-by-second yield calculations for tokenized assets, eliminating the need for investors to hold assets for full-day periods to accrue interest. This advancement enhances liquidity and composability within decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems while preserving fair yield distribution for holders. Franklin Templeton’s OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund (FOBXX), launched in 2021 as the first U.S.-registered mutual fund on a blockchain, currently utilizes the Benji platform, with a total locked value of $732 million across supported blockchains.

BNB Chain’s role in this expansion is underscored by its position as a hub for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). As of September 2025, the network hosts over $540 million in tokenized RWAs, including money market funds and credit instruments, positioning it as the eighth-largest market for such assets globally. Sarah Song, head of business development at BNB Chain, emphasized that the platform’s combination of “fast settlement, low fees, and compliant data tooling” makes it an attractive environment for institutional-grade tokenization efforts. The partnership with Franklin Templeton reinforces BNB Chain’s reputation for supporting large-scale, regulated asset tokenization.

Market projections highlight the growing significance of tokenized assets. The global RWA tokenization market, which has grown fivefold in three years, is anticipated to reach $30 trillion by 2030. Franklin Templeton’s expansion to BNB Chain reflects this trend, as institutional adoption shifts from pilot projects to scaled deployment. Roger Bayston, head of digital assets at Franklin Templeton, stated the firm’s goal is to “meet more investors where they’re active” while advancing tokenization’s utility and compliance standards. The move follows a recent partnership with Binance to explore joint initiatives in digital assets, further solidifying Franklin Templeton’s blockchain footprint.

Despite growing momentum, challenges persist in tokenization adoption. JPMorgan analysts noted fragmented cross-border regulations, legal uncertainties around on-chain investments, and concerns about protocol reliability as barriers to wider institutional participation. Nevertheless, Franklin Templeton’s expansion underscores the increasing acceptance of blockchain solutions in traditional finance, with tokenization now transitioning from theoretical exploration to operational implementation.