Bitcoin's Big Leap: Why Experts See a $180, 000 Surge by 2026

Bitcoin's Bullish Outlook

Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple, has made a bold prediction: Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026. He shared this forecast at Binance Blockchain Week 2025, a major event in the crypto world.

Current Market Sentiment

Despite the current downbeat mood around Bitcoin, Garlinghouse remains optimistic. He believes this downturn is temporary and points to a shift in the U.S. stance on crypto. The U.S. is moving from opposition to regulation and support, paving the way for institutional investment.

Institutional Adoption on the Rise

Major financial firms like BlackRock, Vanguard, and Franklin Templeton are now investing in digital assets. This institutional backing is a game-changer for the crypto market.

Crypto ETFs: A Growing Trend

Garlinghouse highlights the rising demand for crypto ETFs, which currently make up only 1-2% of all ETF assets. This small percentage indicates huge potential for growth in the future.

Ripple's Expanding Influence

Ripple is gaining traction among big players in finance. Their prime brokerage and stablecoin operations are expanding rapidly. Stablecoins, which are tied to real-world assets, are no longer just an experiment—they're now part of real financial systems.

Market Turbulence and Long-Term Growth

Despite recent market volatility—where about $20 billion in leverage was wiped out—Garlinghouse sees this as short-term noise. The broader trend shows crypto becoming more integrated into global finance.

The Future of Crypto

Garlinghouse believes that institutional adoption, scaling utility, and improving regulation will drive Bitcoin's price to new highs. While the market may be volatile now, the long-term outlook remains bright.