By
Sam Reid
Through its expanded presence, Franklin Templeton looks to further enhance its ability to deliver tailored investment solutions while supporting clients across the UAE with a comprehensive suite of capabilities.
Franklin Templeton has secured a licence from the UAE’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) for its entity in Abu Dhabi, marking a major expansion of its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial hubs.
The move means Franklin Templeton now operates across all three of the UAE’s financial jurisdictions:
It is a rare position for a global asset manager to hold and reflects just how seriously Franklin Templeton is investing in the region.
Franklin Templeton has operated in the UAE for more than 25 years, gradually building relationships with investors across the region. Their latest licence is being framed as a natural next step in that journey rather than a new venture, but the scale of the move still stands out.
“The UAE is an increasingly important market for global asset management, but long-term success here depends on being close to clients and deeply connected to local priorities,” said Matthew Harrison, Head of EMEA and Americas ex-US at Franklin Templeton. “This milestone not only reinforces our commitment to the market but also enables us to offer clients a broader range of investment services, combining our global capabilities with deep local expertise.”
The UAE’s financial regulatory landscape is somewhat unique, with onshore regulation, ADGM and DIFC each operating under their own frameworks. Having a licensed presence in all three gives Franklin Templeton the flexibility to serve clients regardless of which jurisdiction they fall under, something most global asset managers cannot claim.
Sandeep Singh, Head of CEEMEA and Head of Global Official Institutions at Franklin Templeton, said, “With offices now across all three financial jurisdictions, we are uniquely positioned to serve clients across the UAE’s key regulatory environments, while strengthening our ability to bring Franklin Templeton’s global investment expertise to areas that matter locally, including retirement savings and end-of-service solutions.”
Through its expanded presence, Franklin Templeton looks to further enhance its ability to deliver tailored investment solutions while supporting clients across the UAE with a comprehensive suite of capabilities.
