Business

Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest asset managers, has launched the HeadStart Program in collaboration with Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) and a network of prestigious partners, including the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, BNY, Fitch Ratings, Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), SNB Capital, Simmons & Simmons, and Standard Chartered. The initiative was unveiled on the sidelines of FII9, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering female talent in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding financial sector.

The HeadStart Program is designed to equip final-year undergraduate students in finance and economics with both academic and practical training in financial services. The two-phase initiative begins with online learning modules via the Franklin Templeton Academy, covering key investment topics such as asset classes, portfolio construction, market analysis, and compliance. In its second phase, participants undertake a four-month co-op training with leading financial institutions, gaining hands-on experience across investment management and financial operations.

“I have long held the belief that financial services is an industry of choice,” said Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton. “Women are one of the biggest drivers of our industry’s continuing growth story. We are excited to offer HeadStart as the first step for students of PNU in their investment management journey.”

The initiative reflects Franklin Templeton’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment, skill development, and inclusion within Saudi Arabia’s financial ecosystem. Graduates of the program will receive official certificates recognizing their expertise, and select participants may also be offered job placement opportunities with participating firms.

Muneera Al-Doassary, CEO of Franklin Templeton Saudi Arabia, emphasized the program’s broader impact:

“HeadStart is a powerful illustration of unity, bringing together local and global financial institutions with future talent. We see Saudi Arabia’s young demographics—especially our talented women—as the cornerstone of future growth. This initiative is a collective commitment to empower this generation and accelerate their inclusion in our expanding financial sector.”

The launch marks a significant milestone in advancing diversity and opportunity within Saudi Arabia’s investment landscape. By combining international expertise with local talent development, Franklin Templeton and its partners aim to build a lasting legacy of inclusive growth and leadership in finance.

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