A number of large banks around the world have created research groups and institutes of various kinds to promote their ideas and thought leadership in recent years. 

Franklin Templeton, part of US-listed Franklin Resources, has launched its Investment Institute, to be led by Stephen Dover, the firm’s head of equities. He has been named chief market strategist and the Institute’s head.

Terrence Murphy, chief executive of ClearBridge Investments, will take on an expanded leadership role as head of equities for Franklin Templeton. (ClearBridge is an autonomous specialist investment organization within Franklin Templeton.)

Firms such as Barings, Credit Suisse, UBS and JP Morgan, to name a few, have created research groups and institutes of various kinds to promote their ideas and thought leadership in recent years. 

“With these appointments and the launch of the Investment Institute, we are doubling down on what sets our firm apart - unmatched insight and research from experts on the ground in over 70 offices around the globe,” Jenny Johnson, president and CEO of Franklin Templeton, said.

Dover and Murphy, who start their new roles on 1 February, will both report to Johnson.

“The ultimate mission of the Investment Institute is to provide research and data-driven insights for our clients to help them navigate the financial markets, armed with the power of our diverse investment expertise,” Dover said.

Murphy will oversee Franklin Equity, Franklin Mutual Series, Templeton Global Equity and Edinburgh Partners, Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity, and the Local Asset Management Developed Markets Equity teams, which collectively include over 250 investment professionals. This expanded role for Murphy does not change his role as CEO of ClearBridge.