Franklin Templeton announced that Jed Plafker has been named executive vice president of Global Alliances and New Business Strategies. In this newly created position, Plafker will be responsible for the expansion of the company’s digital wealth management and distribution-related financial technology, ensuring that the firm fully harnesses these capabilities for financial advisors and clients. Plafker will continue to report to CEO Jenny Johnson and serve as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.
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“This is an extremely important role for our organization as we continue to develop and make investments in digital wealth and fintech – two important areas where we are actively innovating and enhancing our offerings,” said Johnson. “The role will drive the firm’s efforts to support financial advisors via digital servicing capabilities.”
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Plafker will also oversee the company’s ongoing strategic investments and acquisitions in the area of digital wealth. Recent examples include last month’s acquisition of AdvisorEngine, Inc., a digital wealth platform and provider of technology and consulting services to financial advisory firms in the United States, an investment in Embark Group, a full-scale UK retirement solutions provider, and Franklin Templeton’s investment in Bambu, a leading global provider of robo-advisory technology based in Singapore. Additionally, Franklin Templeton is a founding sponsor of EvoNexus Silicon Valley, a technology startup incubator housed in Franklin Templeton’s corporate headquarters.
“Our digital distribution initiatives are focused on delivering personalized investment solutions and value-added services to our advisors and investors, as evidenced by our acquisitions and investments across the globe the past several years,” added Plafker. “We’re also looking to capitalize on our award-winning goals-based research and goal optimization process, as well as further deepen our use of data throughout the distribution process.”
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