Franklin Resources Shareholders Approve Expanded Equity Plans, Executives Tout $1.66T in AUM

Franklin Resources held its 2026 annual shareholder meeting, where investors voted on compensation and equity-related items as executives highlighted strong flows and diversification efforts.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN) held its 2026 annual shareholder meeting, where investors voted on director elections, auditor ratification, and several compensation- and equity-plan related items. After the formal meeting, executives provided an update on fiscal 2025 business, operational and financial highlights, including $1.66 trillion in assets under management, positive long-term net flows, and growth across retail, separately managed accounts, ETFs, and the firm's custom indexing platform.

Why it matters

As a major global investment management firm, Franklin Resources' annual meeting and financial performance provide insights into the broader asset management industry. The company's focus on diversifying its product lineup and expanding its alternative and personalized investment offerings reflects broader trends towards democratizing access to private markets and customized solutions.

The details

During the meeting, CEO Jenny Johnson reported that fiscal 2025 featured 'strong equity gains and broader market participation,' leading to $1.66 trillion in ending AUM. The company generated $44.5 billion in long-term net inflows, excluding Western Asset Management, and saw double-digit AUM growth in retail, SMAs, ETFs, and the Canvas custom indexing platform. Johnson also cited 'record growth' across these areas. However, she acknowledged 'significant challenges' for Western Asset, though noted its investment team maintained autonomy and performance rebounded strongly.

  • The annual shareholder meeting was held on February 5, 2026.
  • As of the December 5, 2025 record date, there were 521,390,673 shares of capital stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote.

The players

Franklin Resources

A global investment management organization that offers a wide range of asset management solutions to institutional and individual investors, with a core focus on active portfolio management across equities, fixed income, multi-asset strategies and alternative investments.

Greg Johnson

Executive Chairman and Board Chairman of Franklin Resources.

Jenny Johnson

Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Resources.

Matthew Nicholls

Co-President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Franklin Resources.

Western Asset Management

A subsidiary of Franklin Resources that faced 'significant challenges' in fiscal 2025, though its investment team maintained autonomy and performance rebounded strongly.

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What they’re saying

“Fiscal 2025 featured 'strong equity gains and broader market participation,' which she described as an 'attractive environment for active management.'”

— Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer (themarketsdaily.com)

“Fiscal 2025 presented 'significant challenges' for Western Asset, and that Franklin remained committed to supporting the business.”

— Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer (themarketsdaily.com)

The takeaway

Franklin Resources' annual meeting highlights the firm's efforts to diversify its product lineup and expand access to alternative and personalized investment solutions, reflecting broader industry trends towards democratizing private markets and customized offerings. The company's strong flows and AUM growth, despite challenges at its Western Asset subsidiary, demonstrate its ability to navigate a changing investment landscape.