Ripple CEO Sees Bitcoin at $180K by 2026: Panel Highlights, Market Context
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse projected that Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026, a view he shared during a panel with Solana Foundation President Lily Liu and Binance CEO Richard Teng at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai.
This report lays out the remarks, context, and market backdrop anchored to the Ripple CEO Bitcoin $180K prediction by end of 2026 and what it may mean for investors and the wider crypto market.
Panel Highlights and What Was Said
Brad Garlinghouse (Ripple): forecast $180,000 for BTC by end-2026.
Lily Liu (Solana Foundation): expects BTC above $100,000.
Richard Teng (Binance CEO): avoided a numeric target; stressed long-term growth over short-term volatility.
These comments were made during a main-stage discussion at Binance Blockchain Week 2025 in Dubai (Dec 3–4). Binance+1
Market Snapshot and Recent Moves
Bitcoin traded around $93K today after a rebound from this week’s dip below $85K; it remains below the ~$126K record set in October 2025. Multiple outlets report similar levels.
What is behind the Ripple CEO Bitcoin $180K prediction by end of 2026?
While Garlinghouse did not publish a model on stage, his call aligns with a longer-run, adoption-driven thesis common among crypto executives: growing institutional participation (including ETF flows during rebounds), network effects, and cyclical recoveries after drawdowns.
Reactions to the Ripple CEO Bitcoin $180K prediction by end of 2026
Supportive
Some market participants see the target as plausible if macro conditions ease and crypto adoption broadens.
Skeptical
Others note heightened volatility and that BTC remains below its recent ATH, emphasizing uncertainties in policy and liquidity.
Context & Analysis
Executive forecasts often reflect strategic positioning. Liu’s >$100K view frames a broad bull scenario without over-commitment; Teng’s non-target stance fits an exchange leader emphasizing platform growth over price calls. The $180K figure, if achieved, implies ~90% upside from ~$93K today, but would still be within prior cycle multiples underscoring both potential and risk.
To Sum Up
Despite ongoing market volatility, the panel highlighted a renewed sense of long-term optimism. Experts noted that broader economic cycles often create short-term uncertainty, yet long-term trends can still favor patient and well-informed investors.
They emphasized that high-profile predictions should never be followed blindly. Instead, investors must rely on independent research, macroeconomic indicators, and disciplined risk-management strategies. Balancing caution with opportunity remains essential for navigating today’s fast-changing financial environment.
FAQs
Q : What exactly did Garlinghouse predict?
A : He said Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026 during a Dubai panel.
Q : Did anyone else on the panel give a number?
A : Lily Liu projected above $100,000, while Richard Teng avoided giving a target.
Q : Where and when did the panel take place?
A : At Binance Blockchain Week 2025, Dubai, Dec 3–4, 2025.
Q : What is Bitcoin’s current price compared to its ATH?
A : Around $93K today vs. ~$126K ATH in Oct 2025.
Q : Is the forecast a guarantee?
A : No it’s an opinion; crypto remains volatile and policy-sensitive.
Q : How does this affect XRP or SOL?
A : The panel didn’t give targets for XRP or SOL; the focus stayed on BTC and market cycles.
Q : Does the article’s primary keyword matter for readers?
A : Yes we use “Ripple CEO Bitcoin $180K prediction by end of 2026” for discoverability.
Facts
Event
Panel at Binance Blockchain Week 2025, DubaiDate/Time
2025-12-04T11:30:00+05:00Entities
Ripple (Brad Garlinghouse); Binance (Richard Teng); Solana Foundation (Lily Liu); Bitcoin (BTC)Figures
BTC ~$93K today; prior ATH ~ $126K (Oct 2025) (USD)Quotes
“Bitcoin will reach $180,000 by the end of 2026.” Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple CEO (panel remarks)Sources
Binance Square panel recap + event pages; AP/Barron’s market levels. Barron’s+3Binance+3Binance+3