Franklin Templeton, a $1.68 trillion asset manager, has made a bullish prediction for Bitcoin (BTC) by 2026. Christopher Jensen, director of Digital Asset Research at Franklin Templeton Digital Assets, said the firm’s base case expects BTC to return above $100,000. He spoke with Milk Road on April 30, explaining there is a path for Bitcoin to reclaim its 200-day moving average before rallying.
Jensen clarified that Franklin Templeton is not among those predicting $1 million per BTC within a year. Instead, he emphasized that the path above $100,000 could involve high volatility and choppy consolidations. “Everything is kind of probability weighted. But if we are talking about our base case, you know, I think we think we’re back above the $100,000 mark, which is kinda the key threshold,” Jensen stated.
Current market conditions
Jensen noted that Bitcoin and the broader crypto market remain trapped in a macro bear market. BTC has been forming lower lows and lower highs since hitting its all-time high around $126,198 seven months ago. Despite recent selling pressure, Franklin Templeton sees this as a healthy correction due to deleveraging that accelerated during the October 11, 2025 crypto crash.
Why Franklin Templeton is bullish
Franklin Templeton’s bullish stance for 2026 is rooted in several factors. Jensen highlighted proven institutional demand, especially in the United States, driven by clearer regulations. The Clarity Act, a proposed U.S. federal regulation aimed at legalizing crypto assets, is still likely to pass before year end. If it does, potential capital rotation from Gold and stocks could accelerate Bitcoin’s bullish thesis, as Finbold previously noted.
Looking ahead
Jensen emphasized that Bitcoin’s path is not linear. He predicted high volatility and periods of consolidation before any significant rally. Franklin Templeton’s base case remains cautious but optimistic, with a focus on fundamentals rather than hype. The firm’s prediction stands out for its measured tone, avoiding extreme forecasts often seen in crypto markets.
