Bitcoin 2026 Outlook: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Predicts $180,000 - Is This the Next Bull Run?
A major crypto figure just put a massive price target on the board for Bitcoin.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has thrown his hat into the prediction ring, forecasting Bitcoin could hit a staggering $180,000 by 2026. The call comes as the market looks for its next major catalyst.
More Than Just a Number
Garlinghouse's projection isn't happening in a vacuum. It lands amid a backdrop of institutional adoption, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the ever-present march of technological upgrades to the Bitcoin network itself. The narrative is shifting from 'digital gold' to a potential cornerstone of a new financial system—or at least a very lucrative speculative asset, depending on who you ask.
The Mechanics of a Mega-Rally
What could drive such a dramatic surge? Analysts point to the convergence of several forces: the continued inflow of institutional capital through newly approved investment vehicles, the upcoming Bitcoin halving event which historically constrains new supply, and a potential macro environment where traditional assets look less appealing. It's a perfect storm scenario for bulls.
A Dose of Reality
Of course, for every sky-high prediction, there's a chorus of skeptics warning about volatility, regulatory crackdowns, and the simple fact that past performance is no guarantee of future results. Wall Street veterans might scoff, noting that in traditional finance, making a bold prediction two years out is a great way to get attention—with zero accountability until the deadline passes.
Whether Garlinghouse's $180,000 call proves prophetic or merely promotional, one thing is clear: the debate around Bitcoin's value and future is heating up again. Buckle up.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has made one of the biggest Bitcoin predictions of the year. Speaking at Binance Blockchain Week during a panel with Solana Foundation President Lily Liu and Binance CEO Richard Teng, Garlinghouse said he expects Bitcoin to reach $180,000 by December 31, 2026.
The panel brought together three major industry leaders to discuss what the crypto landscape may look like in 2026. With bitcoin swinging sharply, billions in liquidations, and mixed ETF activity, their views drew strong attention.
What the Leaders Said on Stage
When asked where Bitcoin will be by the end of next year, the answers varied. Richard Teng kept his response simple. He said he could not give a number and focuses on long-term growth, not short-term volatility.
Lily Liu gave a clearer view and said she expects Bitcoin to be above $100,000.
Brad Garlinghouse went even further. He predicted $180,000 by the end of 2026, making the most specific and ambitious call of the panel.
The Shock Crash That Hit Crypto This Month
These predictions came just as Bitcoin faced one of its worst moves of the year. On December 1, Bitcoin fell $5,000 in just 3 hours. More than $200 billion was wiped from the market, and close to $700 million in Leveraged positions were liquidated.
There was no crypto-related catalyst. Instead, the trigger came from traditional markets.
The Yen Carry Trade Unwinds
Japan’s government bond yields surged to their highest levels since before 2008. This sudden spike began unwinding the massive Yen Carry Trade, a decades-long strategy where investors borrowed cheap Japanese money to buy assets like tech stocks, US Treasuries, and Bitcoin.
As yields rose, the yen strengthened and leveraged positions became unprofitable. Selling accelerated, margin calls hit, and liquidations followed. By October, $19 billion in crypto positions were liquidated in a single day.
In November, more than $3.45 billion left Bitcoin ETFs, including $2.34 billion from BlackRock’s fund. December 1 added another $646 million in liquidations.
Someone Is Quietly Buying
Despite the panic selling, on-chain data showed that whales accumulated 375,000 BTC during the downturn. Miners also reduced their selling sharply, dropping from 23,000 BTC per month to 3,672 BTC.
The Next Big Moment: December 18
Now the market is watching the Bank of Japan. Its next policy decision could shape Bitcoin’s direction.
According to experts, if Japan hikes rates again, Bitcoin may fall toward $75,000. If it pauses, a sharp short squeeze could send Bitcoin back toward $100,000 much faster than expected.
