Franklin Templeton Investments opens office at Dubai International Financial Centre

The premises was officially inaugurated by Mr. Nasser Al Shaali, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC, in the presence of Mr. Jed Plafker, Executive Managing Director, Franklin Templeton Investments and Mr. Harshendu Bindal, Senior Director, CEEMEA, Franklin Templeton Investments.

Franklin Templeton was one of the first asset management firms to be registered and licensed in the DIFC in 2004.

Mr. Nasser Al Shaali, CEO, DIFC, said, "The DIFC acts as a gateway to regional wealth and liquidity, and we are pleased to welcome Franklin Templeton, recognised as a global leader in investment management to the growing number of financial services firms who continue to establish themselves here."

Commenting on Franklin Templeton's move to DIFC, Mr. Plafker said, "DIFC has emerged as an important financial and investment management hub in the region. Having successfully established our business here over the last seven years, we see our move to DIFC as an imperative step towards our continued growth in the region."

He further added, "At Franklin Templeton our aim has always been to be recognised as a leading asset manager of choice. Our presence at DIFC will help us in achieving this goal in this region."

Since its establishment in the Gulf in October 2000, Franklin Templeton Investments has emerged as a strong player in the region offering a wide range of flexible investment solutions.

"The Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean markets are growing at a rapid pace, presenting tremendous opportunities for the development of the asset management industry in the region. The growth of third party distribution has also helped global firms like Franklin Templeton to reach out to a broad segment of clients," said Mr. Harshendu Bindal.

"Franklin Templeton was amongst the first to recognise the need for a physical presence in the region and with the same foresight, we saw DIFC providing a platform for organisations to channel their growth," he added.