Ideas
Private markets poised for broader access growth
Private markets should benefit from reduced regulation and greater clarity, and retail investors deserve fair access as companies wait longer to go public. Franklin Templeton is a big believer, raised $23 billion last year, targets $25 billion this year, and has a $100 billion five-year fundraising plan.
Franklin Templeton private markets growth plan
Franklin Templeton plans to raise $100 billion in private markets over five years, raised $23 billion last year, and targets $25 billion this year with Lexington Fund 11, indicating strong growth in its private-markets business.
Secondaries offer liquidity for private equity
So much private equity has been deployed and liquidity has not come out as fast, leaving investors seeking liquidity mechanisms. Secondaries offer a diversified portfolio without the same J-curve, and Franklin Templeton loves them, with Lexington Fund 11 launching this year.
Regional bank retreat favors real estate debt
Regional banks are no longer lending the way they used to, creating a great opportunity in real estate debt. She stresses underwriting and manager selection in private credit.
Asset-backed securities look attractive
Within private credit and fixed income, asset-backed securities are looking attractive, though careful underwriting and manager selection are important.
AI adopters will outperform sector laggards
AI's impact on individual companies is still early. The next winners will be companies within sectors that implement AI correctly, leaving laggards behind; picks-and-shovels have received the valuation so far, but AI productivity gains could be hugely transformative.
Tokenization and stablecoins are mainstreaming
2026 will be a big year for crypto moving mainstream. Franklin Templeton launched an SEC-approved blockchain-native money market fund that pays daily interest and can transfer into a stablecoin; blockchain improves reconciliation, smart contracts, and payment efficiency with supportive regulation in the U.S., Singapore, and UAE.
Central banks support gold demand
Gold has rallied partly because central banks are buying it for diversification after the U.S. froze Russian assets. Official-sector diversification demand supports gold.
Bitcoin seen as gold alternative
Bitcoin is another diversification option, especially for high-inflation countries like Turkey and El Salvador. Believers view it as a gold alternative, though she says it is almost religion-like.
European exporters face US tariff stress
European clients that sell into the U.S. will find the latest tariff threats challenging. Tariffs could rise from 15% to 25%, stressing cash flow and revenue at a time when corporate debt is rising.
HSBC restructuring merits higher valuation
HSBC's restructuring is mostly complete and paying dividends, with the bank more agile and customer-centric, on track to hit targets. Management sees a trajectory toward a $300 billion market cap and believes its global franchise in 55 countries deserves a higher rating.
Quantum computing adoption in bank trading
HSBC has a joint initiative with IBM to use quantum computing for matching bond buyers and sellers and improving pricing accuracy. Quantum will become more embedded in bank trading and cybersecurity, following AI and tokenization.
Most trading will become tokenized
Most trading will be on a tokenized basis, with quantum computing adding a layer to make trading more efficient. Trading of all asset classes is going to go through a change after AI and tokenization.
AI becomes core to bank trading
AI will be significant in banking. Algorithmic trading will expand to different asset classes, speed up trading, and become the way most firms trade. Banks are process-driven and perfect users of AI, allowing staff to focus on clients rather than massive layoffs.
U.S. offers pockets of value
The U.S. offers pockets of value because of its focus on technology and AI, tax code changes, and affordability measures, which together create a good business and investment environment.
Private capital acts as stabilizer
Private capital will play a stabilizing role over the next couple of years as countries deal with rising protectionism. Patient private capital reduces volatility and provides fuel through crisis cycles.
Gulf offers compelling long-term investment
The Gulf is a compelling long-term investment ecosystem with clear policies, strong sovereign balance sheets, capital availability, and a huge economic transformation agenda.
This Bloomberg Markets video, published January 19, 2026,
features Jenny Johnson, Michael Roberts, Mohammed Alardhi
discussing Private markets, BEN, PSP, Lexington Fund 11, Real estate debt, ???, AI-SECTOR, Tokenization, STABLECOINS, GLD, BTC, European exporters, HSBC, QUBT, SPY, Private capital, GULF.
17 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.
Speakers:
Jenny Johnson,
Michael Roberts,
Mohammed Alardhi
· Tickers:
Private markets,
BEN,
PSP,
Lexington Fund 11,
Real estate debt,
???,
AI-SECTOR,
Tokenization,
STABLECOINS,
GLD,
BTC,
European exporters,
HSBC,
QUBT,
SPY,
Private capital,
GULF
