Franklin Templeton has established a new entity in Doha to expand its asset management operations across the Middle East.

Initial authorisation from the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Regulatory Authority allows the firm to open a local office.

Establishing this presence builds on an existing partnership between the asset manager and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).

Both organisations previously launched a Qatar-focused equity fund to support active asset management in the country.

Franklin Templeton has appointed Salah Shamma as Senior Executive Officer and Country Head for the new entity, named Franklin Templeton Investments QFC LLC.

Shamma has nearly 25 years of investment experience in the region and will lead the local strategy while maintaining his existing responsibilities.

Through its new base, the firm intends to connect its international investment platform with Qatar’s institutional investment ecosystem.

“Qatar is an increasingly important market for global asset management,”

said Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Templeton.

“Their presence strengthens the depth and sophistication of Qatar’s financial sector,”

said Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater, Chief Executive Officer, QFC.

Franklin Templeton managed US$1.78 trillion in global assets as of May 2026.

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News UAE, based on image by ttonaorh via Magnific