Standard Chartered Predicts Bitcoin Could Hit $500K by 2028, Driven by ETFs and Institutional Adoption
Key Takeaways:
- Standard Chartered forecasts Bitcoin reaching $500,000 by 2028, fueled by institutional growth and ETF-driven investments.
- The bank’s Head of Digital Asset Research, Geoffrey Kendrick, projects Bitcoin at $200K in 2025, with a steady rise through Trump’s administration.
- Factors such as lower volatility, ETF inflows, and policy shifts could accelerate Bitcoin’s adoption.
Institutional Demand and ETF Growth Fuel Bitcoin’s Bullish Outlook
Standard Chartered projects that Bitcoin could surge to $500,000 by the end of 2028, citing strong institutional adoption and the increasing role of spot Bitcoin ETFs. Kendrick shared his predictions in a February 5 investor note, outlining a path where Bitcoin could first hit $200K in 2025 before a steady climb toward the half-million mark.
A major driver of this growth is the expansion of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which were approved in January 2024 and have already attracted $39 billion in inflows. Kendrick argues that ETF accessibility has unleashed pent-up institutional demand, further stabilizing Bitcoin’s price and making it an attractive long-term asset.
“With Bitcoin’s market cap at $1.95 trillion, decreasing volatility and a steady price recovery are positioning Bitcoin as a safer asset,” Kendrick noted. This shift could push Bitcoin beyond traditional financial market risks, attracting even larger investments.
Trump’s Policies and Institutional Backing Could Accelerate Growth
Standard Chartered suggests that Bitcoin’s growth could accelerate under a Trump administration, with policies supporting crypto and financial innovation. The potential repeal of SAB 121 and an executive order evaluating a digital asset reserve could encourage central banks to hold Bitcoin.
As institutional adoption expands, Bitcoin’s role in diversified portfolios could solidify its position alongside gold as a premier store of value. If Bitcoin secures a place in national reserves, it could gain further legitimacy as an economic asset.
Market Reaction and Expert Opinions
The bold prediction sparked varied reactions among analysts. Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas commented:
“Standard Chartered is mainlining the hopium again, says Bitcoin will hit $500K by the end of Trump’s term. Tbh tho, their crazy Bitcoin ETF flow prediction was actually closer than we were, so who knows!”
Meanwhile, crypto investor Thomas Kralow remained open to the possibility:
“Time will tell whether those predictions are close to reality or not, but it’s not something completely unreal.”
Currently, Bitcoin trades at $98,595, with market data indicating that whales are positioning for major future gains. Bitcoin’s adoption as a national reserve asset, along with positive regulatory shifts in various U.S. states, could further boost its demand.
A Realistic Path to $500K?
While Bitcoin’s journey to $500,000 remains uncertain, Standard Chartered’s projection underscores the growing institutional confidence in its long-term value. If ETF inflows, government policies, and adoption rates continue to expand, Bitcoin’s rise could reshape both the crypto and traditional financial markets in the coming years.
