People Moves

Franklin Templeton Names New North Asia Head Of Institutional Business

Amanda Cheesley Deputy Editor 7 February 2024

Franklin Templeton Names New North Asia Head Of Institutional Business

The California-based investment manager makes a senior appointment to strengthen its business in North Asia.

Franklin Templeton has appointed Spencer Seto (pictured) in the newly-created role of head of North Asia, institutional business, starting immediately.

Seto will be based in Hong Kong and report to Tariq Ahmad, head of APAC at Franklin Templeton, the firm said in a statement.

In his new role, Seto will have regional responsibilities for leading the firm’s institutional sales, consultant and client relationship efforts in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea. 

Alan Young, head of institutional business, Greater China at Franklin Templeton and Tay Kim, president and CEO of Franklin Templeton Korea, will form part of Seto’s team.

Seto brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to Franklin Templeton, he was the head of institutional sales, Asia ex-Japan, at Janus Henderson. Seto has also served in senior sales roles at PGIM, State Street Global Advisors and HSBC Global Asset Management.

“Spencer’s extensive experience, deep understanding of the North Asian institutional market, coupled with his multilingual capabilities will be instrumental, as we look to further strengthen our business in this region,” Ahmad said.

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