Ripple CEO makes bold new Bitcoin prediction

Market Overview - Bitcoin (BTC) has experienced significant volatility, trading between $82,000 and $90,000 since October 10, with a peak of $126,000 earlier in the month. As of December 5, Bitcoin was priced at approximately $91,009.90, reflecting a 1.5% decrease over the past 24 hours [1]. Future Predictions - Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse forecasts that Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026, indicating a bullish long-term outlook for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market [2][3]. Regulatory Environment - Garlinghouse highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency industry, referencing the CLARITY Act, which aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets in the U.S. He expressed optimism about the potential passage of this legislation in the first half of next year, which could provide significant support for the industry [4][5]. CLARITY Act Objectives - The CLARITY Act seeks to: - Define classifications for cryptocurrencies and tokens - Clarify jurisdictional boundaries between the SEC and CFTC - Set operational standards for crypto exchanges, stablecoins, and market participants [5].