Standard Chartered has released a report predicting that the global cryptocurrency market could increase fivefold, from $2.5 trillion to $10 trillion by the end of 2026. Specifically, Bitcoin is projected to hit $200,000 and Ethereum $10,000 by the end of 2025.
Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s Global Head of Digital Assets, noted that a Republican victory in the U.S. elections could be a significant catalyst for this growth. The removal of the SEC’s SAB 121 guidance could pave the way for deeper involvement of American banks and institutional investors in the digital asset market.
The report also anticipates that the stablecoin market cap could reach $1 trillion by 2026. Smart contract platforms and Layer 2 blockchains are expected to grow faster than Bitcoin, potentially accounting for around $2.5 trillion by 2025. Emerging sectors like DeFi, gaming, and decentralized social networks are also projected to contribute significantly to the overall market expansion.