Standard Chartered Predicts Bitcoin to Reach $135,000 by Q3 2025 Driven by ETF Inflows and Corporate Demand

Standard Chartered, a prominent financial institution, has issued a bullish forecast for Bitcoin, predicting that the leading cryptocurrency will reach $135,000 by the end of the third quarter of 2025. This optimistic outlook is driven by several key factors, including strong inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and increasing demand from corporate treasuries.

Geoff Kendrick, the head of digital asset research at Standard Chartered, highlighted that the new flows from ETFs and corporate buying have altered the traditional dynamics of Bitcoin's halving cycle. Historically, Bitcoin's price has experienced significant rallies followed by sharp corrections about 18 months after a halving event. However, Kendrick noted that the April 2024 halving may not result in the typical post-halving decline due to the presence of ETF inflows and corporate buying, which were absent in previous cycles.

Despite the bullish forecast, Standard Chartered acknowledges potential volatility in late Q3 and early Q4, citing the lingering risks of historical correction patterns. The bank expects that the figure of 245,000 BTC purchased by ETFs and treasuries in Q2 2025 will be surpassed in the coming quarters, driven by ongoing institutional interest. Although there was a recent pause in ETF momentum with outflows of $342.3 million, Kendrick views this as a short-term low point rather than a reversal of the broader bullish trend.

Standard Chartered's long-term vision for Bitcoin remains optimistic, with a price target of $500,000 by 2028. This forecast is based on the presumption of continued institutional adoption and the further integration of Bitcoin within the international financial system. The bank's view aligns with the growing confidence in Bitcoin's strength and its status as a developing asset class, increasingly driven by institutional dynamics rather than cyclical mining events.

The bullish sentiment from Standard Chartered is part of a broader trend of accelerating global institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies. Major financial institutions are recognizing the potential of digital assets, with some planning to offer crypto custody services. This move is supported by clearer regulatory frameworks, such as the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation in the European Union and a more lenient posture towards cryptocurrencies in the U.S. These developments are encouraging further adoption and investment in digital assets.

The growing corporate demand for Bitcoin is another significant factor driving its price. Companies are increasingly looking to diversify their treasury holdings by including Bitcoin, viewing it as a hedge against inflation and a store of value. This trend is expected to continue, further boosting Bitcoin's price. Additionally, the launch of Bitcoin ETFs has provided a more accessible way for investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency, leading to increased demand and price appreciation.

In summary, Standard Chartered's prediction of Bitcoin hitting $135,000 by the end of the third quarter is based on strong ETF inflows and growing corporate demand. The accelerating institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, coupled with clearer regulatory frameworks, is further supporting this bullish outlook. As more traditional financial players enter the crypto space, the demand for Bitcoin is likely to continue rising, potentially pushing its price to new heights.