Standard Chartered predicts Bitcoin could reach $500K under Trump

Standard Chartered predicts Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) could potentially reach $500,000 during a possible Trump presidency, with an earlier target of $200,000 by the end of 2025.

This forecast hinges on growing institutional adoption and clearer regulations within the cryptocurrency market.

Geoffrey Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered, conveyed this optimistic outlook in a CNBC interview.

Kendrick emphasised that increased participation from traditional financial entities, like Standard Chartered and BlackRock, is crucial for market stabilisation and enhanced security, especially given events such as the $1.4 billion hack of crypto exchange Bybit.

"What we need are traditional financial players, like Standard Chartered, like BlackRock and others that have ETFs now to really step in," Kendrick stated.

He also noted that these institutions offer custody businesses that are more secure.

"As the industry becomes more institutionalised, it should be safer," according to Kendrick.

Bitcoin has shown volatility, dropping to around $80,000 after reaching a high above $109,000 in January, influenced by factors such as President Trump's tariff threats.

Market commentator, The Kobeissi Letter, suggests Bitcoin's reactions to these threats indicate a correlation with stocks and liquidity conditions.

However, Julien Bittel from Global Macro Investor views the pullback as "normal in bull markets," especially after the price surge following the U.S. presidential election.

Jamie Coutts, Chief Crypto Analyst at Real Vision, noted that most "core liquidity measures" are bullish, citing expanding central bank balance sheets and a rising global money supply as positive indicators, pending the stabilisation of the U.S. dollar.

Other analysts have also provided their 2025 Bitcoin price predictions.

CoinShares head of research, James Butterfill, anticipates Bitcoin reaching between $80,000 and $150,000, suggesting a potential correlation between these figures and the enactment of Trump's pro-crypto policies.

Matrixport forecasts a rise to $160,000, supported by sustained demand in Bitcoin ETFs, favorable economic conditions, and expanding global liquidity.

Galaxy Digital's head of research, Alex Thorn, expects Bitcoin to exceed $150,000 in the first half of the year, reaching $185,000 by the fourth quarter, driven by institutional, corporate, and state adoption.

At the time of reporting, the Bitcoin (BTC) price was $81,004.90.