Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has forecasted that Bitcoin will reach $180,000 by the end of 2026. He shared this prediction during a panel discussion at Binance Blockchain Week. The event featured prominent figures from the cryptocurrency industry, including Solana Foundation President Lily Liu and Binance CEO Richard Teng.
Garlinghouse's price target represents nearly double Bitcoin's current trading value. The cryptocurrency was trading at around $93,522 at the time of writing, indicating a 0.41% increase over the last 24 hours. His optimistic outlook reflects confidence in Bitcoin's long-term growth potential despite recent market volatility.
Industry Leaders Share Market Perspectives
The panel discussion revealed varying degrees of optimism among crypto executives. Teng declined to provide a specific price target for Bitcoin. He emphasized that his focus remains on long-term growth rather than short-term price movements. The Binance CEO stated he expects prices to rise above current levels but avoided committing to exact figures.
Liu offered a more conservative estimate than Garlinghouse. The Solana Foundation President predicted Bitcoin would trade above $100,000. Her forecast suggests steady growth from current levels without the dramatic surge Garlinghouse anticipates.
The differing predictions highlight the uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency valuations. Each executive brought their own perspective based on market analysis and institutional positions. Their forecasts span a range from modest gains to substantial appreciation.
Bitcoin's Recent Performance and Market Context
Bitcoin recently experienced significant price action that provides context for these predictions. The cryptocurrency reached an all-time high exceeding $126,000 approximately two months before the panel discussion. This peak represented a milestone for the digital asset and the broader cryptocurrency market.
The subsequent decline to $93,000 illustrates the inherent volatility of crypto markets. Bitcoin has retreated roughly 26% from its record high. This pullback is not unusual for the asset class, which has historically experienced sharp corrections even during bull markets.