Attorney – Digital Advice/Fintech/AI

Franklin Templeton; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Coverage

401(k) with match

Equity & Investing (ESIP)

LEAP Education Assistance

Employee Investment Benefits

Job summary

Franklin Templeton is seeking a senior in-house counsel to provide practical regulatory guidance across investment management and technology sectors. You will structure and negotiate complex agreements, advise on AI-enabled FinTech initiatives, and work closely with business leaders to minimize risk while enabling growth.

The role requires JD and U.S. bar admission with at least 4 years in the investment management space, plus experience advising FinTech clients and knowledge of the Advisers Act

Qualifications

• JD and license to practice law in the U.S. with state bar membership or in-house counsel status.
• 4+ years’ experience in the U.S. investment management area with the SEC, a law firm, an investment management firm, or similar.
• Experience advising FinTech clients on digital investment advice, SMAs, model delivery businesses, and related issues.
• Experience using artificial intelligence (AI) in connection with providing legal advice.
• Knowledge and experience with laws and regulations under the Investment Advisers Act and SEC/CFTC rules.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and effective oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to Franklin Templeton’s investment businesses and technology teams, providing practical guidance on regulatory matters.
• Structure, draft, and negotiate investment management, sub-advisory, technology, and other strategic agreements.
• Collaborate across investment, distribution, technology, operations, compliance, and risk teams to assess legal/regulatory implications of new products and partnerships.
• Support development, launch, and ongoing management of investment products and fund offerings through the product lifecycle.
• Address time-sensitive legal and regulatory issues for business initiatives and strategic projects.

Job description

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.

About The Department

The Legal team provides practical legal advice and service to the broader organization by reviewing and analyzing the laws and regulations of the legal jurisdictions in which Franklin Templeton operates. Our in-house corporate attorneys interpret these laws and regulations and advise the business on actions required to comply with legal and regulatory obligations. They also guide the business on appropriate courses of action to minimize risk from financial or reputational loss.

How You Will Add Value

• You will serve as a trusted legal advisor to Franklin Templeton’s investment businesses and technology teams, providing practical guidance on regulatory matters arising under the Investment Advisers Act and other applicable securities laws and regulations.
• You will work at the intersection of investment management, technology, and innovation, supporting a range of digital advisory and Fintech products, including the Canvas custom indexing platform, Canvas MOST managed options offering, Goals Optimization Engine (GOE) digital advice program, Portfolio Analytics Tool (PAT), MOSAIQ portfolio construction platform, and a growing suite of AI-enabled tools.
• You will have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of strategic business initiatives and other transformational projects in key growth areas while developing expertise in emerging and rapidly evolving areas of the asset management industry.
• You will work directly with business leaders and client-facing teams to solve complex, often time-sensitive legal and regulatory issues. This role calls for practical judgment and the ability to translate legal requirements into clear, actionable advice that helps the business move forward.
• You will structure, draft, and negotiate agreements in support of new and existing business initiatives, including investment management agreements, sub-advisory agreements, technology and commercial agreements, and other strategic arrangements.
• Collaboration will be central to the role. You will build relationships across investment, distribution, technology, operations, compliance, and risk teams and help evaluate the legal and regulatory implications of new products, services, partnerships, and business models.
• You will support the development, launch, and ongoing management of investment products and fund offerings, providing legal guidance throughout the product lifecycle —from initial concept and structuring through launch and ongoing operation.

What Will Help You Be Successful In This Role

• JD and license to practice law in the U.S. (with state bar membership or certification as Registered In-House Counsel).
• 4+ years’ experience in the U.S. investment management area with the SEC, a law firm, an investment management firm, or an industry trade group.
• Experience advising FinTech clients, and with issues involving digital investment advice, SMAs, model delivery businesses, and options would be helpful.
• Experience using artificial intelligence (AI) in connection with providing legal advice.
• Knowledge and experience with laws and regulations under the Investment Advisers Act and SEC/CFTC laws and regulations.
• An understanding of the financial regulatory and policy issues associated with the investment management business.
• A self-directed individual with a high degree of attention to detail, ability to multi-task and prioritize, and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with other members of the FT legal team, FT compliance, FT management, the staff of the SEC and other regulators and the staff of industry trade groups.

Franklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewards—monetary and non-monetary—designed to support their well-being and recognize their time, talents, and results. Along with base compensation, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan with a generous match, and recognition rewards. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a range of competitive healthcare options, insurance, and disability benefits, employee stock investment program, learning resources, career development programs, reimbursement for certain education expenses, paid time off (vacation / holidays / sick / leave / parental & caregiving leave / bereavement / volunteering / floating holidays) and a motivational wellbeing program. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $145,000 - $185,000, depending on location and level of relevant experience, plus discretionary bonus.

Highlights Of Our Benefits Include

• 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

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Artificial intelligence or automated tools may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for this position.