Franklin BSP Realty Trust (FBRT) POS AM Prospectus update (post-effective amendment)

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our report dated March 13, 2014 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 of ARC Realty Finance Trust, Inc. which is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of the aforementioned report, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption “Experts.”

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

July 10, 2014