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🏦Franklin Templeton Exec: Digital Assets Are ‘Frontier Risk Alternatives’🏦
The $1.3 trillion fund group is playing with the idea of launching additional crypto strategies after debuting its crypto SMAs
October 30, 2022
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  • Future crypto products “could take many forms” based on how regulatory environment evolves, according to the firm’s head of digital assets
  • The firm’s clients are seeking a streamlined process to invest in this space

Franklin Templeton is exploring ways to bring additional digital asset investment strategies to market following the launch of its crypto-focused separately managed accounts (SMAs) last month.

Roger Bayston, the company’s segment lead, called digital assets “frontier risk alternatives” in a recent interview with Blockworks. 

Franklin Templeton had roughly $1.3 trillion in assets under management, as of Sept. 30. One of its new crypto-focused SMAs invests in 10 to 15 of the largest digital assets, excluding stablecoins and meme coins. Its other takes a similar approach, but bitcoin and ether are both capped at 25% of the portfolio.

The products come as institutional adoption of crypto is on the rise, according to a recent Fidelity survey, with 74% such investors saying they plan on buying digital assets in the future.

Bayston said in May that crypto was an asset class with “a great deal of thematic tailwinds,” as industries begin to unlock the potential of blockchain. 

More recently Sandy Kaul, Franklin Templeton’s senior vice president of digital assets and industry advisory services, published research about, in part, how decentralization is poised to disrupt traditional finance over the next decade. 

Blockworks checked back in with Bayston about what’s next.

Blockworks: Following the launch of crypto-focused SMAs, what other types of crypto offerings might the firm be looking to offer?

Bayston: We are committed to providing industry relevant opportunities to meet the evolving investment needs of our clients.

Our robust team of investment talent provides deep tokenomics research for our strategies, which are managed on a proprietary management platform built from the ground up. This gives us the expertise to offer the best advice and active management possible for our clients. 

We are continuing to develop delivery mechanisms to deliver digital asset investment strategies for a variety of investors.

Blockworks: Could these include more SMAs? How about crypto-related ETFs?

Our experienced investment team has created many portfolio strategies utilizing various degrees of discretionary decision-making and research intensity. 

Given the ripe field of innovation that blockchain technologies offer, you can expect Franklin Templeton to continue to bring relevant product ideas to the market. These products could take many forms based on current or future regulatory permissions.

Blockworks: What is the firm hearing from clients right now in regards to crypto? 

Bayston: We believe that digital assets are frontier risk alternatives – new investable opportunities that capture the return streams of novel business models and can generate long-term growth. 

We are seeing investors with a variety of interest, experience and exposure levels with these assets across the world and the desire for sound investment advice. 

We are hearing from clients on the need for a streamlined process to invest in this space, founded on deep asset research and professional portfolio management, in order to generate the highest capital appreciation with an eye on risk management.

Blockworks: What are your thoughts on the Ethereum Merge? How could it impact adoption?  

Bayston: The transition to a proof-of-stake protocol illustrates the continuous innovation we see with blockchains, but more specifically represents a major software upgrade for the network with the possibility for improved security and capital and energy efficiency. 

A resulting outcome of this event is a major reduction in Ethereum’s carbon footprint, which is desirable to appeal toward institutional ESG [environmental, social, governance] mandates. The evolution of Ethereum is an example of how this technology continues to evolve. Our investment platform will also evolve as the platforms grow and innovation in this space continues.

Blockworks: What crypto trends is Franklin Templeton most focused on right now?

Bayston: We believe that mass adoption of digital assets likely starts with the tokens themselves, and inclusion of these assets in investment portfolios will pave the way for other use cases for blockchain technology. 

The digital asset space can bring two broad themes to investment management: expanding the opportunity set for investment options to include the blockchains themselves or bringing assets on chain in a more fungible way, and using the blockchain rails to create operational efficiencies across traditional asset management processes.

Blockworks: What does the company expect from a crypto regulatory perspective in the coming months? How might it be engaging to influence policy in the segment?

Bayston: There is substantial global regulatory development with digital assets in a variety of geographies, and we believe regulators are conducting their due diligence to take a measured approach to regulation. 

We are comfortable navigating the global regulatory environment as it develops around the world.  We’re a collaborator with regulators, given our focus on providing the best advice and service to our clients and view that the future of asset management includes blockchain technology and digital assets.

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⚠️ Ripple appearance at the Headquarters of the Bank of Spain

⚠️ Ripple appearance at the Headquarters of the Bank of Spain, Co-organised by the Reinventing BRETTON WOODS Committee⚠️
September 10 and 11, 2019

Full video: https://youtu.be/kUx1pJ9wadQ?si=FrqIfoeWJHtgBZXa

00:07:08
📽️ One of the most important things we’ve done at Pyth is help bring U.S. GDP onchain 🏛️

Working with the U.S. Department of Commerce to publish official economic data on a public blockchain is a powerful signal of where global market infrastructure is headed. When core economic indicators become cryptographically verifiable, composable, and accessible in real time, it opens the door to a more transparent and more efficient financial system for everyone.

Thanks to Roundtable and Jackson Hinkle for hosting a thoughtful conversation on how this came together and what it means for the future of market data.

In a conversation with Jackson Hinkle

Full interview link: https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/policy/why-washington-is-experimenting-with-public-blockchains-for-economic-data

00:04:14
Patent US10144532B2 | Craft using an inertial mass reduction device

🚀 The Mind-Blowing Patent That Could Revolutionize Space Travel: US Navy's Anti-Gravity Craft! 🛸

December 4, 2018 - The day physics got weird

🤯 What If I Told You...

The US Navy patented a spacecraft that could bend the laws of physics as we know them? No, this isn't science fiction or the latest Marvel movie – this is US Patent US10144532B2, and it's about to blow your mind! 💥

🎯 The Patent That Made Physicists Go "Wait, WHAT?!"

Filed on April 28, 2016, and granted on December 4, 2018, this patent describes a "Craft Using an Inertial Mass Reduction Device" – which is fancy talk for "spaceship that can make itself lighter than physics allows."

Invented by Salvatore Cezar Pais and assigned to the US Department of Navy, this isn't your average paper airplane design. We're talking about technology that could theoretically allow spacecraft to travel at extreme speeds by literally manipulating the fabric of spacetime itself! ⚡

🔬 The Science Behind the Magic✨

👉Here's where it gets really wild:

🌀 The ...

00:05:23
👉 Coinbase just launched an AI agent for Crypto Trading

Custom AI assistants that print money in your sleep? 🔜

The future of Crypto x AI is about to go crazy.

👉 Here’s what you need to know:

đź’  'Based Agent' enables creation of custom AI agents
đź’  Users set up personalized agents in < 3 minutes
đź’  Equipped w/ crypto wallet and on-chain functions
đź’  Capable of completing trades, swaps, and staking
💠 Integrates with Coinbase’s SDK, OpenAI, & Replit

👉 What this means for the future of Crypto:

1. Open Access: Democratized access to advanced trading
2. Automated Txns: Complex trades + streamlined on-chain activity
3. AI Dominance: Est ~80% of crypto 👉txns done by AI agents by 2025

🚨 I personally wouldn't bet against Brian Armstrong and Jesse Pollak.

👉 Coinbase just launched an AI agent for Crypto Trading

🚨 Ripple Drops $2.7 B Cash-and-Stock Deal for Full-Stack Financial Platform 🚨

Ripple has agreed to buy (subject to CFIUS and EC clearance) a yet-unnamed “full-stack” payments, FX and treasury-suite provider—valued at $2.7 B, its largest acquisition to date—to fold fiat rails, card issuing and 200+ country licenses directly into the XRP Ledger ecosystem, according to Crypto Threads’ unnamed sources close to the board.

🔑 Key points

🔹 Target profile:

  • 1,100 employees, 42 offices; owns EMI licenses in EU/UK, MSB registrations in 47 U.S. states, PI/PF licenses in Singapore, HK, UAE; processes $48 B annual payments volume, 65 % B2B cross-border.

  • Proprietary FX engine aggregates 450+ correspondent-bank routes plus four CSD access points (Fedwire, TARGET2, BOJ-NET, CHATS); average FX markup 18 bps vs Ripple ODL’s current 60 bps.

  • White-label card platform (Visa Fintech Fast-Track member) with 3.2 M virtual cards issued; instant push-to-debit rails in 70 countries.

🔹 Deal ...

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JUST IN - Trump announces 10% tariffs for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands and Finland from Feb 1st, 👉 increasing to 25% on June 1st, until "a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland."

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Bank of England must plan for financial crisis sparked by aliens đź‘˝

A former analyst at the central bank has urged governor Andrew Bailey to put contingencies in place to prevent collapse if alien life is confirmed

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/bank-of-england-must-prepare-for-ufo-announcement-f3mh8l9vh

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🚨David Grusch on The Megyn Kelly Show🚨

Earlier this week, UFO/UAP whistleblower David Grusch appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show for a brief but revealing interview. During the conversation, Grusch named individuals he claimed were involved in managing the alleged UFO/UAP Legacy crash retrieval program, statements that immediately drew attention across the disclosure community.

Most notably, Grusch asserted that former Vice President Dick Cheney played a central role in overseeing the program. Cheney’s name has circulated within UFO/UAP research circles for years, but this marks the first time it has been spoken publicly by a former intelligence official who claims direct knowledge of the issue. It is also notable that just weeks ago, journalist Ross Coulthart independently referenced Cheney in a similar context, lending additional weight to the consistency of these claims.

Grusch also named former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, stating that Clapper was not only aware of the crash retrieval issue, but managed it and helped place individuals into key roles, both publicly and behind the scenes. These are serious assertions that warrant scrutiny and further investigation, given their potential implications for disclosure.

Please watch the full interview and consider its significance within the broader context of the disclosure conversation. Please note that the interview concludes with a paid promotional pitch, and Grusch does not provide any additional comments after the pitch.

 

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Stellar CEO Reveals Where Real Opportunity Lies in Crypto Market: Details

In a recent tweet, Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) CEO and Executive Director Denelle Dixon defines what "real opportunity" is in blockchain as a new financial future beckons.

The SDF CEO was reacting to a recent Bloomberg report on Bank of New York Mellon Corp (BNY), Nasdaq, S&P Global and iCapital participation in a new $50 million investment round by Digital Asset Holdings. This comes as some of Wall Street’s biggest names embrace the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies to handle traditional assets.

Reacting to this development, Stellar Foundation CEO Denelle Dixon stated that every blockchain investment is a bet on a different financial future. Dixon added that seeing banks explore blockchain technology validates what has been known over the years.

Real opportunity defined

While Wall Street’s biggest names betting on blockchain might be one of the most significant adoption milestones in the digital asset market, Dixon defines what real opportunity is and what it is not.

According to the SDF executive director, real opportunity is not replicating old systems on new rails but rather building open networks that fundamentally expand global finance participation.

"But the real opportunity isn’t replicating old systems on new rails—it’s building open networks that fundamentally expand who gets to participate in global finance. That’s the opportunity," Dixon tweeted.

At the Meridian 2025 event, Stellar outlined its long-term privacy strategy, committing to investing in critical privacy infrastructure and building foundational cryptographic capabilities.

Stellar eyes privacy upgrade

A new protocol upgrade is on the horizon for the Stellar network: X-Ray, which lays the groundwork for developers to build privacy applications on Stellar using zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography.

The protocol timeline testnet vote is anticipated for Jan. 7, 2026, while the mainnet vote is expected for Jan. 22, 2026.

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XDC Network's acquisition of Contour Network

XDC Network's acquisition of Contour Network marks a silent shift to connect the digital trade infrastructure to real-time, tokenized settlement rails.

In a world where cross-border payments still take days and trap trillions in idle liquidity, integrating Contour’s trade workflows with XDC Network Blockchains' ISO 20022 financial messaging standard to bridge TradFi and Web3 in Trade Finance.

The Current State of Cross-Border Trade Settlements

Cross-border payments remain one of the most inefficient parts of global finance. For decades, companies have inter-dependency with banks and their correspondent banks across the world, forcing them to maintain trillions of dollars in pre-funded nostro and vostro balances — the capital that sits idle while transactions crawl across borders.

Traditional settlement is slow, often 1–5 days, and often with ~2-3% in FX and conversion fees. For every hour a corporation can’t access its own cash increases the cost of financing, tightens liquidity that could be used for other purposes, which in turn slows economic activity.

Before SWIFT, payments were fully manual. Intermediary banks maintained ledgers, and reconciliation across multiple institutions limited speed and volume.

SWIFT reshaped global payments by introducing a secure, standardized messaging infrastructure through ISO 20022 - which quickly became the language of money for 11,000+ institutions in 200 countries.

But SWIFT only fixed the messaging — not the movement. Actual value still moves through slow, capital-intensive correspondent chains.

Regulated and Compliant Stablecoin such as USDC (Circle) solves the part SWIFT never could: instant, on-chain settlement.

Stablecoin Settlement revamping Trade and Tokenization

Stablecoin such as USDC is a digital token pegged to the US Dollar, still the most widely used currency for trade, enabling the movement of funds instantly 24*7 globally - transparently, instantly, and without the need for any intermediaries and the need to lock in trillions of dollars of idle cash.

Tokenized settlement replaces multi-day reconciliation with on-chain finality, reducing:

  • Dependency on intermediaries
  • Operational friction
  • Trillions locked in idle liquidity

For corporates trapped in long working capital cycles, this is transformative.

Digital dollars like USDC make the process simple:

Fiat → Stablecoin → On-Chain Transfer → Fiat

This hybrid model is already widely used across remittances, payouts, and treasury flows.

But one critical piece of global commerce is still lagging:

👉 Trade finance.

The Missing link is still Trade Finance Infrastructure.

While payments innovation has raced ahead, trade finance infrastructure hasn’t kept up. Document flows, letters of credit, and supply-chain financing remain siloed, paper-heavy, and operationally outdated.

This is exactly where the next breakthrough will happen - and why the recent XDC Network acquisition of Contour is a silent revolution.

It transforms to a new era of trade-driven liquidity through an end-to-end digital trade from shipping docs to payment confirmation – one infrastructure that powers all.

The breakthrough won’t come from payments alone — it will come from connecting trade finance to real-time settlement rails.

The XDC + Contour Shift: A Silent Revolution

  • Contour already connects global banks and corporates through digital LCs and digitized trade workflows.
  • XDC Blockchain brings a settlement layer built for speed, tokenization, and institutional-grade interoperability and ISO 20022 messaging compatibility

Contour’s digital letter of credit workflows will be integrated with XDC’s blockchain network to streamline trade documentation and settlement.

Together, they form the first end-to-end digital trade finance network linking:

Documentation → Validation → Settlement all under a single infrastructure.

XDC Ventures (XVC.TECH) is launching a Stable-Coin Lab to work with financial institutions on regulated stablecoin pilots for trade to deepen institutional trade-finance integration through launch of pilots with banks and corporates for regulated stable-coin issuance and settlement.

The Bottom Line

Payments alone won’t transform Global Trade Finance — Trade finance + Tokenized Settlement will.

This is the shift happening underway XDC Network's acquisition of Contour is the quiet catalyst.

Learn how trade finance is being revolutionised:

https://www.reuters.com/press-releases/xdc-ventures-acquires-contour-network-launches-stablecoin-lab-trade-finance-2025-10-22/

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