Michael Saylor, chairman of Strategy, shared an optimistic outlook for Bitcoin’s future, forecasting significant growth as the cryptocurrency enters 2026. In a conversation with CNBC’s Talia Kaplan, Saylor highlighted several factors that could propel Bitcoin to new heights, including increased involvement from banks, the rise of digital credit products, and clearer regulations.
Banks Move to Embrace Bitcoin
Saylor emphasized that banks are increasingly adopting Bitcoin services, marking a major shift in the financial sector. He pointed out that over the past six months, several major U.S. banks, including Charles Schwab and Citibank, have started offering Bitcoin custody services and Bitcoin-backed credit products. Saylor believes this trend will only grow in 2026, with banks playing a central role in Bitcoin’s continued expansion. His statement reflects the growing confidence in Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class, with financial institutions eager to offer services that bridge the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrency.
The Changing Dynamics of Bitcoin’s Market Cycle
Addressing the traditional four-year Bitcoin cycle, Michael Saylor suggested that its relevance may be diminishing. He explained that while the halving events were crucial in Bitcoin’s early days, market conditions have evolved. With institutional players now driving Bitcoin’s daily trading volume to $50 billion or even $100 billion, Saylor sees the classic halving cycle as less of a determining factor. Instead, institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and financial system integration are the primary forces shaping Bitcoin’s price and market behavior today.
Digital Credit: Bitcoin’s Key to Future Growth
One of the most exciting developments for Saylor is the growth of digital credit, which he believes could be Bitcoin’s “killer app.” Saylor’s company, Strategy, has become a leading issuer of digital credit products using Bitcoin as collateral. He views these new financial instruments as far more compelling than traditional credit products, offering greater yield opportunities. This growing demand for Bitcoin-backed digital credit is expected to accelerate institutional interest and adoption, adding momentum to Bitcoin’s expansion in the financial world.
As 2026 approaches, Saylor remains confident that institutional interest in Bitcoin will continue to rise. He credits the U.S. government’s support for digital assets and the growing clarity around regulations as key drivers of this adoption. With these factors in place, he believes Bitcoin’s institutional embrace will only intensify, propelling the cryptocurrency into a new phase of growth.