Franklin Templeton Launches Tokenized Money-Market Fund in Hong Kong, Eyes Retail Expansion

Core Insights - Franklin Templeton has launched Hong Kong's first Luxembourg-registered tokenized money-market fund, the Franklin OnChain US Government Money Fund, which invests in short-term US government securities and utilizes blockchain technology for transaction processing and ownership recording [1][2][7] Group 1: Fund Details - The fund is initially open to institutional and professional investors with a minimum investment of HK$8 million (approximately US$1 million) [2] - A retail version of the fund is planned, pending approval from Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), aimed at democratizing access to digital asset investments [3][7] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - The launch is part of the Fintech 2030 plan by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), which includes over 40 projects to promote tokenization, AI, and central bank digital currency (CBDC) in Hong Kong's financial sector [4] - Franklin Templeton has developed the blockchain platform for the fund and partnered with HSBC and OSL Group to enhance digital asset infrastructure [5] Group 3: Market Positioning - Hong Kong is positioning itself as a trusted hub for digital assets, with Franklin Templeton enhancing its blockchain capabilities since 2018 and previously launching the world's first U.S.-registered blockchain-integrated mutual fund in 2021 [6]