Franklin Templeton has appointed Jiun Wen Chee as head of private markets, Apac wealth, subject to regulatory approval.

Based in Singapore, Chee (pictured) will be tasked with growing the US asset manager’s private markets franchise in the region.

The new appointment comes as Franklin Templeton reportedly raised $23bn in private markets over the past six months, with the Asia Pacific wealth channel “contributing strongly”.

Jeff Masom, head of US distribution and global wealth management private markets, said: “Jiun Wen brings deep private markets experience and a strong understanding of the Asia Pacific wealth market.”

“As demand for private markets access continues to grow, his expertise will help us build on our relationships across the region and deliver solutions that are well structured, scalable and relevant for clients.”

Chee joins the firm from Bank of Singapore, where he led the bank’s alternative investments platform and, according to Franklin Templeton, “played a pivotal role in expanding client adoption of private markets, overseeing significant growth in assets across private equity, private credit, venture capital, real assets and hedge funds”.

Prior to that, he held senior roles at Julius Baer, Partners Group, and Cambridge Associates.

Christian Bucaro, head of wealth, Asia, said: “Asia Pacific is a priority growth market for our wealth business, and clients are increasingly seeking long term private markets solutions that can support more diversified portfolios.”

“Jiun Wen’s deep understanding of client needs across platforms will be instrumental as we continue to build out our private markets offering and strengthen momentum across the region.”