Bitcoin to $170K? Here’s What Experts Predict for 2026
Crypto enthusiasts and investors are buzzing with predictions that Bitcoin (BTC) could hit between $140,000 and $170,000 by 2026. According to recent research by South Korea’s Korbit Research Center, key factors like institutional adoption, innovative fiscal policies, and advancements in blockchain technology could propel the cryptocurrency to new heights.
The Role of Reaganomics 2.0
The study highlights the influence of a revamped “stronger Reaganomics” in shaping the Bitcoin market. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3), enacted in July 2025, is central to this approach. It permanently restores 100% bonus depreciation and immediate R&D expensing, which are expected to stimulate corporate investments. These policies are projected to reduce effective corporate tax rates to 10-12%, giving a significant boost to productivity and foreign investments.
In this environment, the U.S. dollar is expected to remain strong, a factor that could position Bitcoin alongside the dollar as a sovereign-grade store of value. Analysts foresee an emerging shift where Bitcoin could rival gold in asset allocation frameworks, as gold might underperform in a yield-driven economy.
Institutional Adoption and ETFs
Institutional adoption is at the forefront of Bitcoin’s projected growth. As of late 2025, Bitcoin ETFs and Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs) accounted for 11.7% of Bitcoin’s total supply. This level of institutional involvement reduces volatility and provides a more stabilized price trajectory compared to previous cycles. Instead of the traditional sharp rallies centered around Bitcoin halvings, experts suggest a somewhat steadier rise into the $100,000–$120,000 range in 2025, with a secondary peak likely in 2026.
The GENIUS Act and Its Impact
Regulatory clarity introduced by the GENIUS Act, signed in July 2025, has proven to be a game-changer for the crypto industry. This legislation mandates 100% reserves for all payment stablecoin issuers, boosting institutional confidence in digital finance. Banks and institutions are now quickly embracing stablecoins due to the clear compliance guidelines.
With rising adoption, newer blockchain technologies like Arc, Tempo, and Plasma are gaining momentum by offering sub-second finality and privacy features, allowing them to meet institutional needs. Ethereum’s 12-second finality has left room for competitors, while Solana continues to strengthen its position with technology upgrades like Firedancer, expected to improve settlement efficiency in 2026.
Decentralized Finance and Real-World Tokenization
The decentralized exchange (DEX) ecosystem is undergoing rapid growth. By mid-2025, DEXs represented 7.6% of total cryptocurrency trading volume and are expected to account for 15% by the end of 2026. Hyperliquid, a leading name in the perpetual derivatives market, dominates with a 73% market share, thanks to its innovative tokenomics model and efficiency.
Beyond crypto trading, the tokenization of real-world assets has emerged as a $35.6 billion market. US Treasury tokenization and private credit products are leading this wave. Fintech and Web3 firms are driving innovation as traditional financial institutions struggle to keep pace with legacy systems.
How to Prepare for the Bitcoin Boom
As the price of Bitcoin is projected to climb higher, now’s the time to research cryptocurrency investment strategies. If you’re considering entering the crypto market, secure a reliable hardware wallet to store your assets safely. For institutional traders, investing in ETFs like the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF offers a convenient entry point into Bitcoin exposure.
Stay informed on the latest trends in crypto regulations, perpetual DEX activity, and blockchain innovations to maximize your portfolio’s potential as the next Bitcoin bull market unfolds.
