The significant asset management firm Franklin Templeton, with a portfolio of $1.6 trillion, is contemplating delving into altcoin investments beyond Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), potentially benefiting cryptocurrencies like Shiba Inu and XRP.

Recent insider information indicates that Franklin Templeton, headquartered in Silicon Valley, is exploring the possibility of launching a new investment fund focused on cryptocurrencies. This fund, designed for institutional investors, could encompass a diverse array of cryptocurrencies other than the prominent BTC and ETH.

Franklin Templeton's entry into the virtual asset realm aligns with a trend where traditional financial giants are venturing into crypto investments and tokenized assets, expanding the market landscape.

Earlier this year, the firm introduced a Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) in collaboration with BlackRock and Fidelity in the United States. This Bitcoin-focused investment vehicle has accumulated over $350 million in assets under management, paving the way for a similar product for Ethereum.

Should the proposed altcoin-focused fund materialize, it might incorporate staking rewards, as per undisclosed sources, a feature not included in the recent approval of spot Ethereum ETFs.

In 2021, Franklin Templeton led the way by launching a tokenized U.S. government bond fund on the Stellar (XLM) network, a move preceding similar initiatives by BlackRock.

The anticipation surrounding Franklin Templeton's potential foray into the altcoin market has instilled optimism among industry analysts, signaling potential growth opportunities for cryptocurrencies like Shiba Inu and XRP.