Ripple CEO Projects Bitcoin Could Reach $180,000 by End of 2026

Source: DefiPlanet Original Title: Ripple CEO Projects Bitcoin Could Reach $180,000 by End of 2026 Original Link: https://defi-planet.com/2025/12/ripple-ceo-projects-bitcoin-could-reach-180000-by-end-of-2026/

Quick Breakdown

• Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicts Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026, driven by U.S. regulatory clarity.
• Institutional participation from firms like BlackRock, Vanguard, and Fidelity is expected to provide long-term, structural support for Bitcoin.
• The expansion of real-world applications, including tokenization, payments, and Web3 infrastructure, bolsters adoption and market growth.

Regulatory Clarity Drives Institutional Participation

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has forecasted that Bitcoin could hit $180,000 by the end of 2026, citing expected regulatory clarity in the United States as a primary growth driver. Speaking at a major blockchain industry event, Garlinghouse highlighted that improved regulations would provide a legal framework for institutions to deploy capital that has remained on the sidelines due to uncertainty.

Garlinghouse highlighted big-name asset managers like BlackRock, Vanguard, and Fidelity as clear signs that traditional finance is now stepping firmly into the crypto space. He argued that this isn’t the kind of short-term speculation we’ve seen in past cycles, but real, long-term participation. With clearer regulation, he said, these institutions will feel more confident building Bitcoin-focused products and committing resources, a shift he believes will help drive steady, lasting market growth.

Expanding Applications and Market Implications

Beyond regulatory factors, Garlinghouse highlighted the expansion of real-world applications across the crypto ecosystem. Tokenization, payments, and Web3 infrastructure, he said, are contributing to increased adoption and practical utility for Bitcoin, creating a broader foundation for value beyond trading.

Other industry executives at the event shared a bullish outlook. Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation, predicted that Bitcoin would surpass significant price milestones, though she did not specify a timeline. Executives from other major exchanges expressed long-term confidence in Bitcoin’s trajectory while noting that its performance will depend on macroeconomic liquidity conditions and global adoption rates.

The consensus emerging from the event suggests that regulatory clarity combined with institutional participation could be a significant catalyst for Bitcoin over the next 12 to 18 months. Analysts say these factors may help stabilize the market and encourage deeper engagement from both investors and companies in the crypto space.

As Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market enter a critical phase, upcoming U.S. macroeconomic data releases could heavily influence expectations for monetary policy decisions, adding another layer of potential market impact.