At Franklin Templeton, we believe success is built through powerful partnerships. As a forward thinking asset manager, we build dynamic relationships with clients, understand their goals, and navigate complex markets together. We leverage cutting edge strategies and deep insights to unlock opportunities for long term wealth creation. Our talented, global teams bring expertise that is both broad and unique.
From our welcoming, inclusive, and supportive culture to our globally diverse business, we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential, but also to contribute to our clients’ success.
About the department
Franklin Crypto is building an institutional-grade private credit platform for the digital asset economy. The Head of Franklin Crypto Private Credit will lead the strategy and serve as the primary partner to Benefit Street Partners, owning origination, underwriting, portfolio management, and disciplined growth.
This is a build-and-scale opportunity within a growing Franklin Templeton business. You will create the credit capability across crypto and Web3, establish an institutional underwriting framework, and help investors understand the strategy, performance, and risks.
The Private Credit function serves to (a) lead the sourcing, structuring, underwriting, and execution of private credit investments across the crypto and Web3 ecosystem — including lending to exchanges, market makers, miners, infrastructure providers, and other digital asset businesses, (b) build and manage a rigorous credit underwriting and portfolio monitoring framework that meets institutional standards, and (c) partner with the Capital Formation team to articulate the strategy, performance, and risk profile of the private credit platform to both crypto native and traditional institutional allocators.
We are looking for a proven private credit investor who can build and lead the strategy end to end—from sourcing and structuring through portfolio management and workouts. You bring strong credit judgment, a track record across market cycles, and genuine fluency in crypto, blockchain, and Web3.
How You Will Add Value
- Build the platform: Set the investment strategy, credit framework, risk limits, operating processes, and roadmap for scalable growth.
- Source and structure: Build a proprietary pipeline across exchanges, market makers, miners, infrastructure providers, protocols, and other digital asset businesses; structure and negotiate bespoke solutions across the capital stack.
- Underwrite and invest: Lead diligence, financial and collateral analysis, downside and recovery modeling, covenant design, investment memoranda, and investment committee recommendations.
- Manage risk: Monitor borrower performance, collateral, covenants, concentrations, and emerging risks; lead amendments, restructurings, and workouts when needed.
- Lead the team: Hire, develop, and inspire a high-performing investment team grounded in rigor, curiosity, intellectual honesty, and accountability.
- Be the market voice: Partner with Capital Formation, Risk, Legal, Compliance, and global distribution; represent the strategy with investors and translate fast-moving crypto credit developments into clear investment perspectives.
What Will Help You Be Successful
- 10+ years in private credit, direct lending, structured credit, or special situations, with rigorous institutional training and strong outcomes across market cycles
- Deep expertise in underwriting, structuring, covenants, collateral packages, intercreditor arrangements, and workouts
- A credible point of view on blockchain, crypto, Web3, counterparties, and digital asset collateral
- Experience leading investment committee processes and influencing senior stakeholders
- A network that can generate differentiated deal flow
- Clear communication, collaborative leadership, and comfort operating in a fast-growth environment
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
What Sets You Apart
- Direct lending experience with digital asset companies or protocols
- Experience building or scaling a private credit strategy, platform, or fund
- Knowledge of digital asset custody, collateral management, on-chain structures, and DeFi lending
- Restructuring and workout experience in stressed or distressed situations
- CFA, MBA, or comparable advanced credential
Franklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewards -monetary and non-monetary, designed to support their well-being and recognize their time, talents, and results. Along with base compensation, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan with a generous match, and recognition rewards. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a range of competitive healthcare options, insurance and disability benefits, an employee stock investment program, learning resources, career development programs, reimbursement for certain education expenses, paid time off, and a motivational wellbeing program. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $225,000 - $275,000 depending on location and level of relevant experience, plus discretionary bonus.
At Franklin Templeton, we believe your benefits should support your life, your goals, and your future. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally.
Highlights of our benefits include:
- Paid Time Off: Three weeks of PTO in your first year
- Health Coverage: Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance to support your well-being
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with an 85% company match on pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to IRS limits
- Equity & Investing: Employee Stock Investment Plan (ESIP) with discounted share purchase opportunities
- Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP): To support your ongoing growth and career advancement
- Employee Investment Benefits: Opportunity to purchase company funds with no sales charge
Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
Artificial intelligence or automated tools may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for this position.
