Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Franklin Templeton announced the registration of eight actively managed global funds for qualified investors in Saudi Arabia, following approval from the Capital Market Authority (CMA).

According to a recent press release, the funds span a diverse range of sectors and geographies, including single-country, regional, and global investment strategies, with four Shariah-compliant funds among them. Their focus areas include emerging markets, multi-asset strategies, and thematic investments centered on technology and artificial intelligence.

Sandeep Singh, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India, said the newly registered funds offer investors diversified options designed to perform across various market conditions.

The move follows the firm’s May 2025 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to jointly invest up to $5 billion in initiatives aimed at developing the Kingdom’s financial markets. The partnership also includes plans for knowledge transfer, talent development, and innovation in the asset management sector.

Franklin Templeton, which manages over $1.6 trillion in assets, has maintained a presence in the Middle East for 25 years and opened its Riyadh office in March 2024. The firm offers a range of investment and research services from Saudi Arabia, covering fixed income, equities, private credit, and global Sukuk.