ChinaAMC and Franklin Templeton plan cross-border ETF partnership
The Chinese and US asset managers have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to explore co-branded ETFs targeting investment opportunities in China, Asia and global markets.
China Asset Management Co. (ChinaAMC) and Franklin Templeton have agreed to deepen their cooperation in cross-border asset management, with a focus on developing jointly branded exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it says in a statement.
The two asset managers signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Shenzhen, China. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in product development, market research and the exchange of investment expertise.
Under the agreement, the firms plan to explore co-branded ETFs structured under Hong Kong, Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) and US ETF frameworks, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. The proposed products would seek to give investors access to long-term growth opportunities linked to developments in China, Asia and international markets.
The partnership combines ChinaAMC’s domestic market expertise, distribution network and index innovation capabilities with Franklin Templeton’s global investment platform, ETF expertise and distribution network spanning more than 35 countries.
Yimei Li, CEO of ChinaAMC, said technological innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, was reshaping global supply chains and transforming economic structures and asset allocation strategies. China’s extensive industrial supply chain and innovation ecosystem were creating new investment opportunities, she added.
Li described the agreement as the starting point for a deeper strategic partnership, with both firms aiming to develop investment solutions across markets and broaden the range of products and services available to investors worldwide.
Franklin Templeton also highlighted growing demand for cross-border investment opportunities. Daniel Gamba, the firm's co-president and chief commercial officer, said China's capital markets were becoming increasingly important to global investors, while Chinese investors were showing greater interest in international markets.
Gamba said ChinaAMC's track record in product innovation and its understanding of the domestic market complemented Franklin Templeton's international capabilities. The collaboration is intended to produce differentiated ETF solutions that offer access to opportunities in China and global markets.
Franklin Templeton managed approximately $1.8 trillion in assets as of September 30, 2026, according to the announcement. The company said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to expanding investor choice, improving market access and delivering long-term value through investment products.
The agreement does not itself constitute a launch of new ETFs. Any products resulting from the collaboration would be subject to further development and applicable regulatory approvals.
