Bitcoin (BTC) continues to walk a tightrope after weeks of volatility.
Since October 10, BTC has fluctuated between $82,000 and $90,000, down significantly from its peak of $126,000 in early October. As of December 5, Bitcoin was trading around $91,009.90, down 1.5% in the past 24 hours, according to CoinGecko.
Despite the recent pullback, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remains bullish on the long-term prospects for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market.
Speaking at a Binance Blockchain Week panel on the future of cryptocurrencies, Garlinghouse predicted that the price of Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026.
“I would say Bitcoin will hit $180,000 on December 31st or 2026.”
While he did not elaborate on the specific details behind his prediction, the Ripple executive emphasized that continued regulatory developments, the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, and the entry of institutions such as Vanguard Group and Franklin Templeton into the cryptocurrency market through ETF products in the United States may serve as key catalysts for the next phase of growth in the cryptocurrency market.
“We have been advocating broadly for clarity in cryptocurrency regulation, commonly known as the Clarification Act in the United States.” Garlinghouse said.
While he doesn’t expect the bill to pass this year, he expressed optimism that “sometime in the first half of next year we will see the passage of legislation that will continue to unlock and create more momentum across the industry.”
The CLARITY Act is a bipartisan proposal to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States, aiming to:
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Define how cryptocurrencies and tokens are classified.
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Clarify the jurisdictional boundaries between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
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Develop operational standards for cryptocurrency exchanges, stablecoins, and market participants.
Supporters argue the bill would provide legal certainty for investors, developers and businesses, encourage innovation and keep cryptocurrency-related jobs in the United States rather than overseas.
Related: Ripple is building a ‘JPMorgan rival’, says Wall Street CEO
This article was originally published by TheStreet on December 5, 2025 and first appeared in the Trading News & Analysis section. Click here to add TheStreet as your preferred source.
