Franklin Templeton Marks 35 Years in Singapore
Global asset manager celebrates long-term commitment and pioneering role in shaping Singapore’s investment landscape.
Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest asset managers, is celebrating 35 years in Singapore, underlining its enduring role in the nation’s financial evolution.
Since opening its doors in 1990, the firm has steadily built a reputation as a trusted partner for both retail and institutional investors.
Pioneering Firsts in Singapore’s Investment Market
From its early days, Franklin Templeton distinguished itself with a series of industry firsts. In 1996, it introduced Singapore’s first umbrella and feeder fund structure into its Luxembourg funds, as well as the country’s first emerging markets fund.
A year later, it broke new ground again with the launch of Singapore’s first global equity fund. Beyond products, the firm has advanced investor education through its Franklin Templeton Academy, a platform designed to raise financial literacy in Singapore and the region.
Singapore as a Strategic Hub for Asia Pacific
Today, Singapore is more than just a market for Franklin Templeton – it is a regional anchor. The office houses leadership across public and private markets, while hosting strategic functions that span distribution, operations, marketing, HR, compliance, and legal. This makes the Lion City a crucial node in the company’s Asia-Pacific strategy.
«Franklin Templeton is proud to celebrate 35 years in Singapore – a journey that has mirrored the remarkable evolution of the nation’s financial landscape,» said Manraj Sekhon, Chief Investment Officer of Templeton Global Investments and Co-CEO of Templeton Asset Management.
He highlighted Singapore’s transformation into one of Asia’s most sophisticated capital markets, where the firm continues to provide differentiated global investment expertise.
Innovation to Meet Future Client Needs
Tariq Ahmad, Head of APAC and Co-CEO of Templeton Asset Management, emphasized Franklin Templeton’s commitment to innovation. «This year, we have been working on several pioneering initiatives from launching the country’s first retail tokenized fund to expanding access to high-quality secondary private equity for investors,» he said.
He added that the firm remains focused on delivering «future-ready investment solutions» that meet evolving client needs in Asia Pacific.
Deepening Regional Presence
Franklin Templeton’s commitment to Singapore and the wider Asia Pacific region is also reflected in its strong partnerships with leading institutional and financial clients.
Looking forward, the firm plans to expand its diversified suite of investment capabilities, reinforcing its role as a long-term partner for investors across the region.