Bitcoin price prediction 2026: Bitcoin (BTC) continues to navigate intense volatility, slipping and recovering in a tight range after weeks of sharp swings and since October 10, BTC has hovered between $82,000 and $90,000, a steep fall from its early-October high of $126,000, as per a report. But despite the turbulence, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is doubling down on a bullish long-term outlook for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, as per The Street report.

BTC USD Price Prediction: Brad Garlinghouse Predicts Bitcoin Could Hit $180,000 by 2026

Speaking at Binance Blockchain Week during a panel on the future of crypto, Garlinghouse made a bold prediction that Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026, saying, “I’ll say Bitcoin $180,000 on December 31st or 2026,” as quoted by The Street.

Institutional Interest From Vanguard and Franklin Templeton Seen as Bitcoin Growth Catalyst

While he didn’t break down the specifics behind his forecast, Garlinghouse pointed to ongoing regulatory progress, growing crypto adoption, and major institutions like Vanguard and Franklin Templeton moving into the US ETF space as potential drivers for the market’s next major push, as per the report.

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He also highlighted the push for regulatory clarity in the US, referencing the bipartisan CLARITY Act, which aims to create a defined framework for digital assets. Garlinghouse doesn’t expect it to pass this year but believes that “sometime in the first half of next year, we’ll see passage of legislation that will continue to unlock and create more tailwinds for the entire industry,” as quoted by The Street.

CLARITY Act Seeks to Define Rules for Digital Assets in the US

What the CLARITY Act aims to do:

• Define how cryptocurrencies and tokens are classified
• Clarify the roles of the SEC and CFTC
• Establish operational standards for exchanges, stablecoins, and other market participants

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Supporters Say Clear Regulations Could Boost US Crypto Confidence

Supporters say clearer rules would give investors and builders confidence and keep crypto innovation and jobs in the US instead of abroad.

FAQs

What is the CLARITY Act?
A bipartisan bill aimed at defining rules and classifications for digital assets.

When does Garlinghouse think Bitcoin could hit $180,000?
By December 31, 2026.