- Franklin Templeton’s FOBXX is now available on Arbitrum, enhancing digital asset compatibility.
- The integration is a significant step toward merging traditional and decentralized finance.
The Arbitrum Foundation and global asset manager Franklin Templeton announced this week that the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund (FOBXX) is now available on the Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain, Arbitrum. Investors can have access to FOBXX via digital wallets on the Benji Investments platform, Franklin Templeton’s proprietary blockchain-integrated recordkeeping system, with the option to use the Arbitrum network.
The goal of this collaboration is to speed the integration of decentralized finance (DeFi) into traditional financial services. Franklin Templeton’s addition to the Arbitrum network broadens FOBXX’s reach within the digital assets ecosystem, allowing it to target a previously untapped demographic.
Franklin Templeton’s Blockchain Expansion
Steven Goldfeder, co-founder and CEO of Offchain Labs, one of Arbitrum’s major contributors, remarked, “Franklin Templeton’s dedication to innovation coincides with our aim to deliver scalable and efficient solutions for the financial sector. “We are thrilled to have Franklin Templeton join the Arbitrum ecosystem.”
Despite recent concerns about cryptocurrency hacking, Franklin Templeton’s entry into the Arbitrum ecosystem marks a significant step toward integrating blockchain technology into its asset management activities. Roger Bayston, head of digital assets at Franklin Templeton, stated, “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for our firm and clients.”
As the tokenized treasury market hit $1.8 billion in early 2024, Franklin Templeton’s move into Arbitrum highlights blockchain’s growing significance in traditional finance. This approach is consistent with a broader trend in which significant organizations like BlackRock are exploring blockchain technology. Such integration promises more security and transparency, mirroring the changing reality of banking in an increasingly digital era.
