Mergers & Acquisitions Senior Associate

Franklin Templeton • NY1MFL21FT, NY

3d • $165,000 - $190,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At Franklin Templeton, we believe success is built through powerful partnerships. As a forward thinking asset manager, we build dynamic relationships with clients, understand their goals, and navigate complex markets together. We leverage cutting edge strategies and deep insights to unlock opportunities for long term wealth creation. Our talented, global teams bring expertise that is both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and supportive culture to our globally diverse business, we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential, but also to contribute to our clients’ success. 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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• discretionary bonus
• 401k plan
• health insurance
• Paid Time Off: Three weeks of PTO in your first year
• Health Coverage: Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance to support your well-being
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with an 85% company match on pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to IRS limits
• Equity & Investing: Employee Stock Investment Plan (ESIP) with discounted share purchase opportunities
• Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP): To support your ongoing growth and career advancement
• Employee Investment Benefits: Opportunity to purchase company funds with no sales charge

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior