During a recent panel discussion held as part of Binance Blockchain Week, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicted that the price of Bitcoin could surge all the way to $180,000 next year.
"I'll go out on a limb, and I'll say Bitcoin $180,000, December 31, 2026," Garlinghuse said.
The 54-year-old executive is convinced that 2026 will be the most bullish year for crypto to date.
Why Garlinghouse is Bullish on Bitcoin's Future
The Ripple CEO has noted that the U.S. finally has regulatory clarity, a factor he argues is massively undervalued. The U.S. represents 22% of global GDP, and for years, its stance toward crypto has been perceived as hostile. However, this position is now changing quickly, which is believed to be transformative for the industry.
"There are so many macro factors that are continuing to provide tailwinds for this industry that, as we go into 2026, I don't remember being this optimistic in the last handful of years," he said.
Garlinghouse further points out that major financial institutions are increasingly entering the crypto space. Companies like Franklin Templeton, BlackRock, and even Vanguard, which was previously known for its anti-crypto stance, are now actively participating.
He also highlighted that crypto is moving beyond mere speculation into real-world utility. With improved interfaces and practical applications, cryptocurrencies are beginning to solve tangible problems. This evolution, he believes, will sustain a long-term bull market.
"The last thing I'll say on this (which I think we'll probably all agree about) is we're also seeing real-world applications, where it's not just about the speculation," he said.
The Role of Bitcoin ETFs
The approval of U.S.-based Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) was anticipated to be a significant moment for the broader crypto market, though some initially questioned if these products might be overhyped due to a lack of immediate substantial price rallies.
Despite initial skepticism, XRP ETFs, for example, saw over $700 million in inflows within just a few weeks. According to Garlinghouse, this demonstrates that investors seeking regulated exposure are now able to participate more readily in the crypto market.
He anticipates that crypto's overall share of the total investment market will grow significantly in the coming year.
"But look, again, if you zoom out to the macro level, the total ETF market… only one or two percent of the total ETF market is crypto. I will bet anybody here that a year from now, that will be more than one or two percent," Garlinghouse said.