Global asset manager with USD 1.78 trillion in AUM strengthens Doha footprint, building on QIA partnership and supporting Qatar’s ambitions to become a leading regional financial hub
Doha: The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has announced that global investment management firm Franklin Templeton is expanding its presence in the Middle East by establishing its Qatar entity, Franklin Templeton Investments QFC LLC. Following initial authorisation from the QFC Regulatory Authority, the company will open its local office within the QFC, further reinforcing Doha’s position as an emerging regional hub for global asset managers.
Franklin Templeton is among the world’s largest independent asset managers, overseeing USD 1.78 trillion in assets under management (AUM) as of May 31, 2026. The firm serves clients in more than 150 countries and has maintained a presence in the Middle East for over 25 years.
The expansion builds on Franklin Templeton’s longstanding partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), including the launch of the Franklin Templeton Qatar Equity Fund, introduced under QIA’s active asset management initiative.
By establishing a local presence at the QFC, Franklin Templeton aims to connect its global investment platform, international expertise and innovative financial solutions with Qatar’s institutional investment ecosystem. The move is expected to support the country’s efforts to deepen its asset management industry, attract international capital and strengthen Doha’s standing as a leading regional financial centre.
Mansoor Rashid Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer of QFC, said Franklin Templeton’s arrival marks a significant addition to the centre’s financial services community.
Franklin Templeton is a significant addition to QFC’s financial services community. Their presence strengthens the depth and sophistication of Qatar’s financial sector, bringing the operational capabilities, governance standards and specialised expertise that enhance our appeal to international fund managers and institutional investors.
Mansoor Rashid Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer of QFC
Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, described the new office as an important milestone in the firm’s long-term commitment to Qatar and the wider Middle East.
Qatar is an increasingly important market for global asset management, and establishing a presence at the QFC marks an exciting milestone in Franklin Templeton’s long-standing commitment to the country and the wider Middle East. Building on our partnership with QIA and the launch of the Franklin Templeton Qatar Equity Fund, this office enables us to be closer to clients and bring the full breadth of our global investment capabilities, local market insights and innovative solutions to support Qatar’s continued financial market development in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 ambitions.
Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton
The establishment of Franklin Templeton Investments QFC LLC reflects the firm’s long-term confidence in Qatar’s financial ecosystem while highlighting QFC’s continued success in attracting leading international financial institutions. The expansion also supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting knowledge transfer, enhancing the country’s investment landscape and advancing long-term economic diversification.