Core Insights - Franklin Templeton has launched a blockchain-based money-market fund for professional investors in Hong Kong and is developing a version for retail investors, aiming to expand its presence in Asia [1][2] Group 1: Fund Structure and Benefits - The Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund invests in short-term U.S. government securities, with shares represented as tokens, allowing for faster transactions, better transparency, and lower costs compared to traditional fund structures [2] - The fund utilizes a proprietary blockchain recordkeeping system to issue, distribute, and service fund shares directly onchain, registered under the EU's UCITS regulations, which provide a high level of investor protection [4] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives - Franklin Templeton is collaborating with HSBC and OSL to test how the fund token, gBENJI, can deliver yield onchain and interact with HSBC's tokenized deposits for around-the-clock settlement and smoother investor operations [3] - The launch is part of the firm's involvement in Hong Kong's Project Ensemble, an initiative by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority exploring tokenized finance, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a hub for institutional digital assets [2][3] Group 3: Historical Context and Development - Franklin Templeton has been active in blockchain finance since 2018, launching several tokenized funds and developing the Benji Technology Platform, which supports the new Hong Kong product [5]