He replaces Bruce MacDonald, who is currently in the role and is leaving to take up a new role with Pyramis in Hong Kong.
Franklin joins Martin Currie’s 14-strong sector-research team on 30 April and will report to Jamie Mariani, director of research.
John Pickard, head of investment at Martin Currie, said: "As fundamentally driven active managers we are constantly looking to attract the highest calibre of research talent to the firm. Matthew has extensive experience in the field of industrials research and has both an outstanding performance record and an excellent reputation with the companies he follows."
