Mergers & Acquisitions Senior Associate

At Franklin Templeton, we’re advancing our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we provide opportunities to help you reach your potential while helping our clients reach theirs. Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world! Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and approximately $1.7 trillion in assets under management as of March 2026. Franklin’s alternatives asset management business manages $280 billion in assets under management and includes Benefit Street Partners (private credit), Clarion Partners (real estate), and Lexington Partners (private equity secondaries and co-investments). Franklin Templeton has made a number of recent acquisitions including: Benefit Street Partners in 2019, Legg Mason in 2020, O’Shaughnessy Asset Management in 2021, Lexington Partners and Alcentra in 2022, Putnam in 2024, Apera in 2025 and 250 Digital in 2026. About the Department   Franklin Templeton is seeking a highly analytical, articulate, detail-orientated individual to join the M&A team. This position reports to Franklin Templeton’s Global Treasurer and Head of M&A. The M&A team covers global opportunities broadly across alternative asset management, traditional asset management and wealth management. How You Will Add Value Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Work with senior management to identify and execute Franklin Templeton’s global M&A activities including joint ventures, strategic investments, and other growth initiatives Lead the creation of detailed financial models to assess various M&A and strategic initiatives including valuations, returns, key operating assumptions and sensitivities Conduct detailed financial due diligence, including quality-of-earnings reviews, working capital analyses, and operational assessments Prepare investment committee materials, including transaction memos, valuation outputs, and risk assessments Perform comprehensive industry and competitive landscape analyses to support deal thesis development Drive the execution of opportunities including presentations, financial modeling, due diligence, transaction structuring and negotiation Assess industry valuation benchmarking and relevant comparables Assist with post-closing integration across investments, distribution and all corporate functions What Will Help You Be Successful in This Role  A minimum of 3 to 6 years of experience in investment banking, corporate development, M&A and/or asset management Experience in Financials Institutions industry group with a focus on asset management Proven experience executing M&A transactions, including end‑to‑end deal modeling, valuation, and transaction analysis Advanced Excel and financial modeling expertise, with exceptional PowerPoint and presentation skills for senior‑level audiences Highly developed analytical skill set, with the ability to synthesize complex financial and strategic information Demonstrated ability to leverage artificial intelligence tools and techniques to enhance analysis, decision‑making, and execution Deep understanding of—and genuine enthusiasm for—the global financial and investment markets Proven ability to manage multiple, complex priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment Exceptional attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy and high‑quality output Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely Collaborative, team‑oriented work style with the ability to partner effectively across functions Self-starting individual contributor with an entrepreneurial spirit Bachelor's degree in finance or related field Along with base compensation, other compensation is offered such as a discretionary bonus, 401k plan, health insurance, and other perks. There are several factors taken into consideration in making compensation decisions including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. At Franklin Templeton, we apply a total reward philosophy where all aspects of compensation and benefits are taken into consideration in determining compensation. The salary, benefits and variable rewards will reflect the seniority of the position and a competitive market rate. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $165,000 to $190,000 in addition to a competitive bonus. Experience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential! Our culture is shaped by the variety of perspectives and experiences brought by talent from around the world. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there’s a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life. By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life’s adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have your needs covered. Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton. Highlights of our benefits include: Three weeks paid time off the first year Medical, dental and vision insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan with 85% company match on your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to the IRS limits Employee Stock Investment Program Tuition Assistance Program Purchase of company funds with no sales charge Onsite fitness center and recreation center* Onsite cafeteria* *Only applicable at certain locations Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.   If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to accommodations@franklintempleton.com. In your email, please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response.