Bitcoin's Bullish Run: Standard Chartered Predicts $500,000 by 2028

Standard Chartered, a major global financial institution, has recently forecasted a significant price increase for Bitcoin (BTC), predicting that the cryptocurrency could reach $500,000 by 2028. This bullish outlook is driven by growing institutional adoption and evolving market dynamics, as highlighted by Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank's global head of digital assets research.

Bitcoin, currently trading around $98,000, has shown steady growth since the beginning of 2025, moving up from $94,000 in January. Despite recent market fluctuations, including a brief dip to $91,000 due to U.S. trade tariff concerns involving Mexico, Canada, and China, the cryptocurrency has maintained relative stability.

Standard Chartered's roadmap outlines several price milestones for Bitcoin over the coming years. The bank expects the digital asset to reach $200,000 by the end of 2025, followed by $300,000 in 2026, and $400,000 by 2027, before ultimately achieving the $500,000 target in 2028.

The analysis points to two main catalysts driving this projected price appreciation. First is the improved accessibility for investors, particularly through the U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF market, which launched in early 2024. These investment vehicles have already attracted $39 billion in net inflows, demonstrating strong institutional interest.

The second factor is the declining volatility in Bitcoin's price movements. As the cryptocurrency's market capitalization expands, individual traders and entities find it increasingly difficult to manipulate the price, leading to more stable trading patterns.

The maturation of the ETF market plays a crucial role in Standard Chartered's outlook. The bank's research suggests that as these investment products become more established, they will continue attracting institutional capital, supporting steady price growth.

A potential game-changing development highlighted in the report is the Trump administration's January 23 order to evaluate a national digital assets stockpile. This initiative could have far-reaching implications, potentially encouraging other central banks to consider Bitcoin investments.

The cryptocurrency's journey from its current price near $98,000 to the projected $500,0