Standard Chartered Predicts Bitcoin to Hit $135,000 by Q3 2025 Driven by ETF and Corporate Buying

Standard Chartered, a prominent global bank, has expressed a bullish outlook on Bitcoin for the remainder of the year. The bank's optimism is fueled by the growing trend of corporate treasuries purchasing Bitcoin and the robust inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

According to Geoff Kendrick, the head of digital asset research at Standard Chartered, the bank anticipates that Bitcoin (BTC) will achieve new highs of $135,000 by the end of the third quarter of 2025. Furthermore, Kendrick predicts that Bitcoin could surpass $200,000 by the end of the year. This forecast is based on the bank's analysis of current market trends and the potential impacts of the Bitcoin halving cycle, which occurs approximately every four years.

Kendrick noted that the increased investor flows have shifted the dynamic of Bitcoin's price movements. Historically, Bitcoin prices have fallen about 18 months after a halving cycle. However, the bank believes that the current trend of strong ETF and corporate buying will mitigate this historical pattern, preventing a price decline in September or October 2025.

Standard Chartered's analysis focuses on the potential impacts of the Bitcoin halving cycle, which reduces the block reward for miners by 50% each time it occurs. While previous halving cycles in 2016 and 2020 led to price corrections, the bank suggests that the latest halving in April 2024 will have a different impact due to new drivers such as strong ETF and corporate buying. These drivers were absent in the previous halving cycles, and their presence is expected to support a continued uptrend in Bitcoin's price.

The bank's forecast is underpinned by the growing acceptance and adoption of Bitcoin by major corporations and financial institutions. The expectation is that continued buying from these entities will create a sustained demand for Bitcoin, pushing its price to new all-time highs. This trend is part of a broader shift in the financial landscape, where traditional investors are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a viable asset class with significant growth potential.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are highlighted as a key driver of Bitcoin's price. ETFs provide a more accessible and regulated way for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin, potentially attracting a larger pool of capital into the market. Corporate treasuries are also playing a crucial role, with several companies adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets as a hedge against inflation and a store of value. This institutional backing is seen as a stabilizing factor for Bitcoin, reducing its volatility and enhancing its credibility as an investment asset.

Standard Chartered's forecast is based on the assumption that the current trends in institutional and corporate buying will continue. If this trend holds, it could lead to a significant increase in Bitcoin's market capitalization, further cementing its position as a leading digital asset. However, it is important to note that market conditions can change rapidly, and unforeseen events could impact the price of Bitcoin. Therefore, while the forecast by Standard Chartered is optimistic, it should be viewed in the context of the broader market dynamics and potential risks.

In summary, Standard Chartered's prediction that Bitcoin will reach new highs of $135,000 by the end of the third quarter of 2025 is based on the expectation of strong ETF and corporate buying. This forecast suggests that the Bitcoin halving cycle will not negatively impact the price, as the increased demand from institutional investors is likely to offset the reduction in supply. The growing acceptance of Bitcoin by major corporations and financial institutions is seen as a key driver of its price, with ETFs and corporate treasuries playing a crucial role in this trend. While the forecast is optimistic, it is important to consider the potential risks and uncertainties in the market.