Bitcoin entered 2026 at a price of about $90,000 per coin, which is much lower than the level it rose to during 2025, reaching $126,000 in October.
However, Bitcoin's price might follow a different path in 2026. Analysts from Goldman Sachs have projected significant incentives for institutional adoption of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, according to Forbes.
Goldman Sachs analysts led by James Yaro talked about expectations for an improved regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies in 2026, due to the long-awaited US Market Structure bill, which is currently proposed in Congress.
Wide Effects of the Anticipated Law
According to the Goldman Sachs analysts’ view, the passage of this law will encourage companies and investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, and even to develop these currencies beyond mere trading, referring to possible future uses of cryptocurrencies, such as using them as a currency for cash reserves.
Forbes reported that the chairman of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, Tim Scott (Republican), said his committee would hold a hearing next week to discuss amending the cryptocurrency market structure bill and ultimately vote on it.
The law will define the role of the Securities and Exchange Commission in dealing with cryptocurrencies, which Goldman Sachs analysts see as crucial to encouraging various institutions to invest in these currencies.
However, the analysts emphasized the importance of passing the Market Structure Law for cryptocurrencies, known as the "Clarity Act," in the first half of 2026. This is crucial because the mid-term congressional elections, which will take place in November, might disrupt its issuance.
Interest Rate Reduction
Another factor that will contribute to attracting investors towards the cryptocurrency market relates to expectations of a reduction in U.S. interest rates by the Federal Reserve.
This means a reduction in U.S. interest rates would decrease the returns on U.S. Treasury bonds, which offer guaranteed yield, pushing investors towards other alternatives, including cryptocurrencies, gold, and stocks.
Diverse Estimates
However, CNBC reported diverse estimates by experts on the price that Bitcoin might reach in 2026, with some seeing it potentially falling to $75,000 per coin, and potentially rising to $225,000.
Alex Thorn, head of the research team at Galaxy, explained in an interview with CNBC that predicting Bitcoin’s price in 2026 is challenging for a variety of reasons:
- The existence of a "complex investment environment".
- Concerns about massive expenditures on artificial intelligence.
- Some stocks being overvalued.
CNBC reported the predictions of some experts whom they spoke with about Bitcoin's price in 2026, as follows:
- Carol Alexander, a professor of finance at the University of Sussex: Bitcoin's price will range between $75,000 and $150,000, with a gravity center around $110,000.
- James Butterfill, head of the research team at Coins Share specializing in cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin's price will range between $120,000 and $170,000 in 2026, with better expectations in the second half of the year.
- Jeff Kendrick, head of digital research at Standard Chartered Bank: Bitcoin's price will reach $150,000 during 2026.
