Franklin Crypto Index ETF sponsor changes finance team
Franklin Crypto Index ETF, a series of Franklin Crypto Trust, reported leadership changes at its sponsor, Franklin Holdings, LLC.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Franklin Crypto Index ETF, a series of Franklin Crypto Trust, reported leadership changes at its sponsor, Franklin Holdings, LLC. Effective May 8, 2026, Christopher Berarducci was appointed Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, and Christopher Kings became Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor.
On the same date, Vivek Pai resigned as Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer and Matthew Hinkle resigned as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor. The filing states that Hinkle’s and Pai’s decisions to resign were not due to any dispute or disagreement regarding the Fund’s operations, policies, or practices.
Positive
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Negative
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8-K Event Classification
Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
1 item
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Key Figures
Effective date of appointments: May 8, 2026
Effective date of resignations: May 8, 2026
Age of Christopher Berarducci: 51 years
+1 more
4 metrics
Effective date of appointments
May 8, 2026
Berarducci and Kings appointed at Sponsor
Effective date of resignations
May 8, 2026
Pai and Hinkle resign at Sponsor
Age of Christopher Berarducci
51 years
New Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
Age of Christopher Kings
51 years
New Chief Financial Officer of Sponsor
Key Terms
Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Emerging growth company, Franklin Crypto Index ETF, +1 more
5 terms
Chief Accounting Officer financial
"On May 8, 2026, Christoper Berarducci was appointed as the Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer"
A chief accounting officer is a senior executive responsible for overseeing a company's financial records and ensuring all accounting practices are accurate and compliant with regulations. They play a key role in preparing financial reports that help investors understand the company's financial health, much like a trusted navigator guiding a ship through complex waters. Their work ensures transparency and trust in the company's financial information.
Chief Financial Officer financial
"Also on May 8, 2026, Christopher Kings was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor."
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the person in charge of a company's money and financial planning. They decide how to spend, save, and invest funds to help the company grow and stay stable. Their role is important because good financial decisions keep the company healthy and successful.
Emerging growth company regulatory
"405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company"
An emerging growth company is a recently public or smaller public firm that qualifies for temporary, lighter regulatory and disclosure rules to reduce the cost and effort of being public. For investors, it means the company may provide less historical financial detail and face fewer reporting requirements than larger firms, so it can grow more quickly but also carries higher uncertainty—like buying a promising early-stage product with fewer user reviews.
Franklin Crypto Index ETF financial
"the sponsor of Franklin Crypto Index ETF (the “Fund”)"
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regulatory
"Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934"
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What management changes were disclosed for Franklin Crypto Index ETF (EZPZ)?
The sponsor of Franklin Crypto Index ETF appointed Christopher Berarducci as Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer and Christopher Kings as Chief Financial Officer on May 8, 2026. Simultaneously, Vivek Pai and Matthew Hinkle resigned from those respective roles at the Sponsor.
Did the resignations at Franklin Crypto Index ETF’s sponsor involve any disputes?
The filing states that the decisions of Vivek Pai and Matthew Hinkle to resign from their roles at the Sponsor were not due to any dispute or disagreement regarding the Fund’s operations, policies, or practices, indicating the departures are characterized as non-conflict-driven changes.
Who is the new Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer for the Franklin Crypto Index ETF sponsor?
Christopher Berarducci, age 51, became Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of Franklin Holdings, LLC on May 8, 2026. He also serves in fund administration and reporting roles at Franklin Templeton and has long-standing experience with Legg Mason-related funds and positions.
Who is the new Chief Financial Officer for the Franklin Crypto Index ETF sponsor?
Christopher Kings, age 51, was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Franklin Holdings, LLC on May 8, 2026. He has served as Senior Vice President of Franklin Templeton Services, LLC and previously held global fund administration and fund officer roles within Franklin Templeton.
When did the leadership changes at Franklin Crypto Index ETF’s sponsor take effect?
The appointments of Christopher Berarducci and Christopher Kings, along with the resignations of Vivek Pai and Matthew Hinkle at Franklin Holdings, LLC, all became effective on May 8, 2026, according to the disclosure made under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
What entity sponsors the Franklin Crypto Index ETF (EZPZ)?
Franklin Crypto Index ETF is sponsored by Franklin Holdings, LLC, which acts as the sponsor of Franklin Crypto Trust. The ETF’s shares trade under the symbol EZPZ on the CBOE BZX Exchange, reflecting the trust’s structure and sponsor-led management framework.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
