The financial world is witnessing another major step toward mainstream crypto adoption, as Franklin Templeton—a globally recognized asset management giant—has officially filed for a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) that could reshape how investors access digital assets.
Dubbed the Franklin Crypto Index ETF, this proposed fund would operate under the ticker symbol EZPZ and offer investors diversified exposure to a basket of cryptocurrency funds. Unlike traditional spot ETFs that directly hold Bitcoin or Ethereum, the EZPZ ETF takes a unique index-based approach, aiming to track the performance of the CF Institutional Digital Asset Index, managed by CF Benchmarks.
This strategic move underscores the growing institutional confidence in digital assets and highlights Franklin Templeton’s continued innovation in blending traditional finance with blockchain technology.
How the EZPZ ETF Works
At its core, the Franklin Crypto Index ETF is designed to provide indirect exposure to leading cryptocurrencies—starting with Bitcoin and Ethereum—through an institutional-grade index. The CF Institutional Digital Asset Index aggregates data from regulated crypto markets, ensuring transparency, reliability, and compliance with financial standards.
By investing in this ETF, shareholders won’t own Bitcoin or Ethereum directly. Instead, they gain proportional exposure based on the index’s composition, which may evolve over time to include additional digital assets as regulatory clarity improves and market maturity grows.
👉 Discover how next-gen investment vehicles are transforming crypto access for everyday investors.
This structure offers several advantages:
- Diversification: Investors benefit from exposure to multiple high-quality crypto assets through a single fund.
- Regulatory Compliance: The use of a trusted benchmark like the CF Index enhances credibility and aligns with SEC expectations.
- Institutional Oversight: With Coinbase serving as the custodian, digital assets backing the index will be securely stored using enterprise-grade infrastructure.
Why Coinbase as Custodian Matters
Security remains a top concern for institutional investors entering the crypto space. That’s why Franklin Templeton’s decision to partner with Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, is a significant trust signal.
Coinbase already acts as a custodian for several major crypto ETFs launched by Wall Street firms, including BlackRock and Fidelity. Its regulated custody solutions ensure that digital assets are protected against theft, loss, and unauthorized access—critical factors for attracting risk-averse investors.
Moreover, Coinbase’s deep integration with traditional financial systems enables seamless reporting, auditing, and compliance—key requirements for any SEC-approved product.
Franklin Templeton’s Expanding Blockchain Footprint
Franklin Templeton isn’t new to blockchain innovation. In recent months, the firm has made a series of bold moves to integrate decentralized technologies into its investment offerings.
One notable example is the OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund (FOBXX), a Nasdaq-listed money market fund that recently became accessible on the Arbitrum network. Arbitrum is a layer-2 scaling solution built on Ethereum, designed to reduce transaction costs and increase processing speed while maintaining security.
By bringing FOBXX onto Arbitrum, Franklin Templeton enables faster settlements, lower fees, and improved liquidity—all without sacrificing regulatory compliance. This development signals a broader trend: traditional financial instruments are being reimagined for on-chain environments.
👉 See how blockchain-based funds are bridging Wall Street and Web3.
The Bigger Picture: ETFs Driving Mass Adoption
The introduction of the EZPZ ETF comes at a pivotal moment in crypto history. After years of regulatory hesitation, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has gradually warmed to crypto-linked investment products.
Earlier in 2025, the SEC approved multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs, followed by the landmark greenlighting of spot Ethereum ETFs—a move that opened the floodgates for institutional capital.
While these products primarily focus on single-asset exposure, the Franklin Crypto Index ETF represents a shift toward more sophisticated, diversified crypto investment strategies. It reflects growing demand from both retail and institutional investors for accessible, compliant, and professionally managed crypto vehicles.
Core Keywords Driving This Trend:
- Bitcoin ETF
- Ethereum ETF
- Franklin Templeton
- CF Institutional Digital Asset Index
- Spot crypto ETF
- Coinbase custody
- Blockchain investment
- Arbitrum integration
These keywords not only define the current market landscape but also align with high-volume search queries from users seeking credible information on regulated crypto investments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Franklin Crypto Index ETF (EZPZ)?
A: It’s a proposed exchange-traded fund that tracks the CF Institutional Digital Asset Index, offering investors diversified exposure to major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum through a regulated financial product.
Q: Does EZPZ hold actual Bitcoin and Ethereum?
A: Not directly. The fund invests in vehicles that provide exposure to digital assets included in the index. The underlying assets are securely custodied by Coinbase.
Q: How is this different from other Bitcoin or Ethereum ETFs?
A: Most existing ETFs are spot-based and track a single cryptocurrency. EZPZ is index-based and may include multiple digital assets, offering broader diversification within one fund.
Q: Is the EZPZ ETF approved by the SEC?
A: As of now, it has been filed but not yet approved. The SEC will review the application before making a final decision.
Q: Why is Arbitrum mentioned in relation to Franklin Templeton?
A: Because Franklin Templeton’s FOBXX money market fund is now available on the Arbitrum network, allowing for faster, cheaper transactions using blockchain technology.
Q: Can individual investors buy into the EZPZ ETF?
A: If approved, yes—just like any other ETF listed on U.S. exchanges. It would be accessible through brokerage accounts.
👉 Learn how to get started with regulated crypto investment products today.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto ETFs
As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve and infrastructure matures, we can expect more complex and diversified crypto investment products to emerge. Index-based ETFs like EZPZ could become standard tools for portfolio allocation—similar to how S&P 500 index funds dominate traditional markets.
For investors, this means greater choice, improved risk management, and easier access to high-potential digital assets—all within a compliant, transparent ecosystem.
Franklin Templeton’s latest filing isn’t just about launching another fund; it’s about setting a new benchmark for how traditional finance embraces innovation. With strong custodianship, proven blockchain integrations, and strategic product design, the firm is positioning itself at the forefront of the digital asset revolution.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to crypto, keeping an eye on developments like the EZPZ ETF can help you stay ahead in this fast-moving landscape.