Key Predictions and Market Drivers
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has forecast that Bitcoin (BTC) could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026. This prediction is based on anticipated U.S. regulatory clarity and an increase in institutional participation within the cryptocurrency market. Garlinghouse shared these insights during statements made at Binance Blockchain Week.
Garlinghouse identified U.S. regulatory reform as the primary catalyst for Bitcoin's growth over the next 12 to 18 months. He stated that improved regulatory clarity would provide institutions with the necessary framework to deploy capital that has been held back due to legal uncertainties.
The CEO highlighted the entry of traditional finance institutions into the cryptocurrency market. He named BlackRock, Vanguard, and Fidelity as examples of asset managers that are now allocating resources and developing Bitcoin-related products. Garlinghouse characterized this development as "long-term, structural participation," distinguishing it from previous speculative market cycles.
Garlinghouse also pointed to expanding real-world applications across the cryptocurrency ecosystem. These include tokenization, payments, and Web3 infrastructure, which he believes are factors supporting sustained market growth beyond trading activity.
Industry Executive Optimism and Market Considerations
Other industry executives present at the event shared similar optimistic views. Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation, predicted that Bitcoin would surpass a significant price milestone, although she did not provide a specific timeline. Binance CEO Richard Teng expressed long-term confidence in Bitcoin's trajectory, while also noting that future performance is dependent on macroeconomic liquidity conditions and global adoption rates.
Bitcoin experienced significant price volatility throughout 2025, with sharp corrections followed by rapid recoveries, according to market data. At the time of Garlinghouse’s forecast, Bitcoin had staged a recovery. However, some market analysts cautioned that this rally could represent temporary consolidation rather than sustained upward momentum. The cryptocurrency traded at varying levels throughout the year, reflecting ongoing market uncertainty despite institutional interest in the asset class.