Bitcoin Could Reach $180,000 by 2026, Says Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicts that Bitcoin will hit $180,000 by the end of 2026, almost double its current value. Garlinghouse pointed to the potential impact of regulatory advancements in the United States, particularly the CLARITY Act, which could accelerate growth in the broader crypto market.

Garlinghouse highlighted that the regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies, such as the upcoming legislation, would unlock more support for the entire industry. While he doesn't expect the bill to pass in 2025, he anticipates it being enacted in the first half of 2026.

Other panelists at Binance Blockchain Week, including Solana Foundation President Lily Liu and Binance CEO Richard Teng, were more cautious in their price predictions, with Liu suggesting Bitcoin would exceed $100,000 by next year and Teng adding that the price will be higher than it is today.

Garlinghouse’s 2026 forecast comes after a shift in predictions from prominent figures like BitMine Immersion Technologies Chairman Tom Lee and Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor. Lee, who had previously predicted Bitcoin could reach $150,000-$200,000 by the end of 2025, now suggests a more modest $150,000 target.

Despite the volatility, Bitcoin has been showing signs of recovery, with some analysts predicting it could hit $100,000 before correcting to $69,000. This 95% increase from its current level would bring Bitcoin closer to Garlinghouse's forecast of $180,000.

Bitcoin's long-term outlook remains positive, with Garlinghouse believing that the regulatory landscape and institutional adoption will continue to drive growth. Meanwhile, analysts have lowered their price targets for Bitcoin-related stocks, citing volatility and shareholder dilution as factors influencing the price.

As Bitcoin struggles to break new records, it faces pressure from market forces. However, with continued development in regulatory frameworks and growing institutional involvement, Bitcoin could reach unprecedented heights in the coming years.