Two big Wall Street banks have updated their Bitcoin forecasts as institutional investment patterns change.
Standard Chartered lowers short-term outlook
Standard Chartered has reduced its near-term Bitcoin price projection, though it remains positive over the long term. The bank cited a slowdown in corporate treasury purchases and weaker ETF inflows as reasons for the adjustment.
According to Geoffrey Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s global head of digital assets, companies that once drove Bitcoin accumulation no longer have the valuations or incentives to keep buying. As a result, ETFs are now the main source of institutional demand.
The bank has also extended its long-range Bitcoin targets to 2030, reflecting confidence in the digital asset’s growth over the next several years.
Bernstein raises longer-term targets
On the other hand, Bernstein has increased its Bitcoin forecast for the end of 2026 and beyond. Analysts at the firm say that while recent price weakness forced them to step back from a peak projection for this year, Bitcoin is entering a more sustained growth phase rather than following its traditional four-year cycle. Bernstein’s long-term forecast now stretches to 2033.
Market context
Bitcoin has fallen significantly from its October highs and is now trading near key support levels. Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw outflows in November, with some funds recording their largest monthly redemptions. While these outflows are small relative to total assets, they have raised questions about investor commitment to holding Bitcoin through volatility.
Despite these near-term ups and downs, both Standard Chartered and Bernstein continue to maintain a broadly positive view of Bitcoin’s future.
Related developments
Meanwhile, Libera, a blockchain platform backed by Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures, launched a tokenized gold investment fund in Singapore, showing continued innovation in digital assets and alternative investments.
