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 Binance Blockchain Week, Garlinghouse highlighted that improved regulations would provide a legal framework for institutions to deploy capital that has remained on the sidelines due to uncertainty.
🚨Brad Garlinghouse just said: “Bitcoin to $180,000 by 31st December 2026.”
Historically, when Bitcoin doubles, strong altcoins multiply 3x to 5x
That would put $XRP between $6-$10 and $15–$20 if real utility kicks inAND YOU THINK ABOUT SELLING ??! 😡#XRP#BTC#Cryptopic.twitter.com/4qqIsFPCns
— Arthur (@XrpArthur) December 3, 2025
Regulatory Clarity Drives Institutional Participation
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. Binance CEO Richard Teng 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 this week could heavily influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s December meeting, adding another layer of potential market impact.