Ripple CEO Forecasts Bitcoin’s Meteoric Surge by 2026

Bitcoin's next bull run could dwarf all previous cycles—and it's just around the corner, according to a major industry leader.

Ripple's CEO has placed a bold bet on the timeline for Bitcoin's next parabolic move. The prediction points to 2026 as the year the flagship cryptocurrency shatters expectations and potentially redefines its market position.

The Logic Behind the Timeline

While specific figures from the original forecast aren't repeated here, the CEO's analysis reportedly hinges on converging macro and technological catalysts. It's not just about halving cycles anymore; it's about institutional adoption reaching critical mass and regulatory frameworks solidifying—or at least becoming navigable.

Market veterans are watching the interplay between traditional finance's creeping embrace and the relentless innovation in layer-2 solutions. This combo could finally unlock the scalability and utility needed to support a price level currently reserved for speculative charts.

A Dose of Street-Smart Skepticism

Let's be real—the finance world is littered with grandiose predictions that serve the predictor's portfolio more than the public's knowledge. Every CEO has a narrative, and in crypto, those narratives are often pre-mined. A bullish forecast from a major player isn't just analysis; it's a market-moving statement.

Yet, the sheer audacity of setting a near-term date for "meteoric" growth forces the conversation. It pushes past vague optimism and demands scrutiny of the actual pipelines being built: the ETFs, the payment rails, the asset tokenization projects. Is the infrastructure actually ready to support a trillion-dollar leap?

By 2026, we'll know if this was visionary or just another well-timed headline. Either way, the clock is ticking—and the market hates waiting almost as much as it hates losing money.

During the Binance Blockchain Week, Ripple$2 CEO Brad Garlinghouse forecasted a remarkable ascent for Bitcoin$92,985 by the end of 2026, expecting it to hit $180,000. Meanwhile, Binance CEO Richard Teng, who was also present, avoided setting a price target, instead focusing on long-term growth. Additionally, Solana$144 Foundation’s President Lily Liu speculated that Bitcoin would trade above $100,000. Currently, the largest cryptocurrency is valued at around $93,000, significantly below its record high of $126,000 from just two months ago.

Brad Garlinghouse’s Bold Price Forecast

At the Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai, Brad Garlinghouse expressed confidence that Bitcoin would experience a robust upward trend within the next two years. The Ripple CEO attributed this anticipated growth to factors such as global inflationary pressures, rising institutional interest, and the introduction of new ETFs in the market. His prediction of $180,000 reflects his strong belief in the market’s potential.

According to Garlinghouse, bitcoin is poised to become more than a mere investment vehicle by 2026, assuming a more prominent role in the global financial system. He emphasized that as blockchain technology matures, investors’ perspectives on cryptocurrencies are evolving. Consequently, he projected that Bitcoin will feature more prominently on corporate balance sheets, reinforcing its status as digital gold.

Diverse Perspectives from Crypto Leaders

In the same panel, Binance CEO Richard Teng refrained from sharing any price predictions, underlining his commitment to long-term strategies. Teng stated that the market is still in its early stages, with his primary focus being steady growth and regulatory compliance. He stressed the importance of strengthening technology and user trust over reacting to short-term market fluctuations.

Solana Foundation’s President Lily Liu offered a more cautious outlook. She acknowledged the possibility of Bitcoin surpassing the $100,000 threshold by 2026 but warned of continued high volatility. Liu pointed out that recovery signals in the market and new capital inflows into the ecosystem will be pivotal factors supporting Bitcoin’s mid-term performance.