US asset manager Franklin Templeton has appointed a new head of Asia exchanged-traded funds distribution, based in Singapore.

Franklin Templeton appoints Rahul Bhalla as head of Asia ETF distribution, according to a statement, subject to regulatory approvals. Based in Singapore, Bhalla reports to head of global ETFs Patrick O’Connor, in partnership with APAC co-heads Tariq Ahmad and Matt Harrison.

Bhalla has over 20 years of industry experience in Asia and the US, most recently as head of AMICORP Asset Management, Singapore. Previously, he was also the head of business development APAC at IHS Markit and head of South Asia at Vanguard Investments.  

ETF Business

According to Franklin Templeton, it offers over 100 ETFs globally across asset classes and geographies. As of September 30 this year, its global ETF platform had around $12 billion in assets under management.

«We see strong demand in Asia for ETFs as clients in the region look to include them as building blocks in their portfolios,» said Ahmad.