Prime Highlights
- Franklin Templeton has established a new Qatar entity and will open an office at the Qatar Financial Centre.
- Salah Shamma has been appointed Senior Executive Officer and Country Head for the firm’s Qatar operations.
Key Facts
- Franklin Templeton manages $1.78 trillion in assets globally.
- The firm has operated in the Middle East for more than 25 years.
Background
Franklin Templeton has extended its footprint across the Middle East with the launch of Franklin Templeton Investments QFC in Qatar. In light of regulatory approval from the QFC Regulatory Authority, the global asset management firm plans to set up an office within the QFC of Qatar.
This development is the result of a partnership that Franklin Templeton has enjoyed with Qatar for some time now and its association with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). The company had earlier launched the Franklin Templeton Qatar Equity Fund as part of QIA’s active asset management initiative.
Through its new office, Franklin Templeton aims to bring its global investment expertise, financial solutions and international platform closer to institutional investors in Qatar. The move is expected to support the country’s efforts to expand its asset management sector, attract global investment and strengthen Doha’s position as a regional financial centre.
QFC Chief Executive Officer Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater said the company’s arrival would enhance Qatar’s financial services industry by adding international expertise and strengthening its appeal to global investors.
Franklin Templeton Chief Executive Officer Jenny Johnson said establishing a presence in Qatar reflects the firm’s long-term commitment to the country and the wider Middle East. She added that the new office would help the company better serve clients while supporting Qatar’s financial market development and long-term economic goals.
The company has appointed Salah Shamma as Senior Executive Officer and Country Head of Franklin Templeton Investments QFC. He will lead the firm’s operations in Qatar while continuing his existing responsibilities across the region.
Franklin Templeton manages approximately $1.78 trillion in assets and serves clients in more than 150 countries.
