Franklin Templeton launched its Alternatives Education program within its Franklin Templeton Academy initiative.
The new learning suite offers a curriculum for financial professionals with courses on private equity, real estate, private credit, infrastructure and hedge strategies. The continuing education initiative has been at the firm for more than 15 years and has offered more than 110,000 learners over the past three years.
“Our curriculum delivers deep understanding around alternatives, as well as continuing education credit for financial professionals,” said Barry Kruse, global head of the Franklin Templeton Academy, in a statement. “And it is available in across multiple formats so learners can study as they prefer.”
In-person and on-site classes are available in addition to interactive webinars, self-paced e-learning modules and pre-recorded video. Course content in turn is developed and delivered by experts in the alternatives industry, officials at the firm said.
Earlier this year, Franklin Templeton purchased Alcentra, which at $38 billion is one of the largest European credit and private debt managers. When the deal closes in the first quarter of 2023, Franklin Templeton affiliate Benefit Street Partners will grow to $77 billion. Overall, Franklin Templeton’s alternative asset management assets will total over $250 billion after the transaction closes.
“With today’s market volatility, geopolitical risks, and 40-year highs in inflation, financial professionals need a more sophisticated toolbox to help their clients meet their long-term financial goals,” said Shane Clifford, senior managing director, Alternative Strategies at Franklin Templeton, in a statement. “As advisors increasingly look to integrate alternative investments into their portfolios, we are committed to providing advanced education on and building proficiency in using these versatile and valuable investment strategies.”
