Standard Chartered Predicts Bitcoin to Reach 200,000 by Year End

Standard Chartered, a prominent global banking group, has made a bold prediction regarding the future price of Bitcoin. According to their analysis, the cryptocurrency is expected to reach $135,000 by the third quarter of this year and surge to $200,000 by the end of the year. This forecast is based on the bank's assessment of the current market trends and the potential for increased institutional investment in Bitcoin.

The prediction by Standard Chartered comes at a time when Bitcoin has been gaining traction as a viable investment option. The cryptocurrency has seen significant price fluctuations in recent years, but its overall trajectory has been upward. The bank's forecast suggests that this trend is likely to continue, driven by factors such as increased adoption by institutional investors and growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a store of value.

Robust institutional demand and evolving U.S. policy frameworks are driving forecasts for bitcoin to achieve all-time highs in the second half of 2025. Geoff Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered Bank, stated in a July 2 report that bitcoin could reach $135,000 by the end of Q3 and rise further to $200,000 by the end of the year. He affirmed the bank’s projections: "We continue to see BTC rising to around USD 135,000 by end-Q3 and to USD 200,000 by end-Q4."

The report attributes the anticipated growth to a surge in exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows and expanding corporate treasury allocations, surpassing the 245,000 BTC purchased in the second quarter. Kendrick also cited two upcoming macroeconomic and regulatory events as key influences: the potential early departure of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and the likely enactment of a U.S. stablecoin regulatory bill. Both developments are expected to create a more favorable environment for digital assets.

The Standard Chartered Head of Digital Assets Research outlined the basis for the bank’s outlook, stating: "We expect bitcoin (BTC) to print new all-time highs in H2, buoyed by growing ETF and corporate treasury flows, as well as U.S. policy and regulatory developments." The analysis suggests bitcoin has moved beyond the traditional post-halving price decline pattern, historically observed about 18 months after a halving event. According to Standard Chartered, increased institutional interest and clearer regulatory guidance have shifted this dynamic.

Skeptics warn of potential overheating following bitcoin’s strong performance earlier in 2025. However, supporters contend that the asset’s current momentum stems from foundational changes, including institutional adoption and evolving policy, rather than speculative retail behavior. In May, Kendrick apologized for his $120K bitcoin price prediction, stating that it may be too low.

The bank's prediction is not without its skeptics, however. Some analysts have expressed caution, noting that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and subject to sudden shifts. They argue that while Bitcoin has the potential for significant gains, it is also at risk of sharp declines. Despite these concerns, the bank's forecast has generated considerable interest in the cryptocurrency community, with many investors eager to see if the prediction will come to fruition.

The bank's prediction is based on a number of factors, including the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate investment asset. In recent years, a growing number of institutional investors have begun to allocate funds to Bitcoin, driven by its potential for high returns and its status as a hedge against inflation. This trend is expected to continue, with more institutions likely to enter the market in the coming years.

Another factor driving the bank's prediction is the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a store of value. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin has a fixed supply, making it an attractive option for investors looking to preserve their wealth. This has led to increased demand for Bitcoin, particularly among investors in regions with high inflation rates.

The bank's prediction also takes into account the potential for regulatory changes to impact the cryptocurrency market. In recent years, there has been a growing push for greater regulation of the cryptocurrency industry, with many governments seeking to address concerns about money laundering and fraud. While this could potentially impact the price of Bitcoin, the bank believes that increased regulation could also lead to greater stability and legitimacy for the cryptocurrency market.

Overall, the bank's prediction is a bullish one, suggesting that Bitcoin has the potential for significant gains in the coming years. While there are certainly risks and uncertainties associated with investing in cryptocurrencies, the bank's analysis suggests that the potential rewards are significant. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if the bank's prediction comes to fruition and whether Bitcoin can live up to its potential as a transformative investment asset.