Reports have revealed that Ripple is CEO Brad Garlinghouse told a Binance-hosted panel that he expects Bitcoin to achieve this $180,000 no later than December 31, 2026.
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Bench moves could be the spark
According to the market coverage is Bitcoin In early December, about $5,000 plummeted in about three hours, wiping more than $200 billion from the broader crypto market and causing nearly $700 million in liquidations. That sudden drop is tied to moves in traditional markets, not a single crypto event.
Some analysts point to a change in the Japanese bond market putting pressure on the long-term yen carry trade. Reports say the Bank of Japan’s policy trajectory is now in focus, with a key decision due in mid-December that could impact global risk appetite and the yen.
Bought whales as prices fell
On-chain trackers show that major investors added to their positions during the decline. According to on-chain data aggregators, accumulator addresses have picked up around 375,000 BTC in recent weeks. That figure, measured in the way these companies define “whales,” suggests major players were capitalizing on weakness.
Miners have also cut sales
Based on market commentary, miner sales have slowed sharply. A widely cited data set shows that miner outflows fell from around 23,000 BTC per month to around 3,672 BTC in the most recent period. That drop in miner supply was highlighted as a potential tailwind for the price if it continues.
ETF Fund Flows and Model Objectives
Reports have also tracked ETF moves, noting several billion dollars remain Bitcoin ETFs in November, and those flows remain an important short-term force for price direction. Meanwhile, major banks have published valuation studies that place fair value scenarios well above current levels. For example, JPMorgan analysts have argued for a model-based target of nearly $170,000 under certain assumptions.
How realistic is a $180,000 outcome?
Putting these pieces together, reaching $180,000 by the end of 2026 is possible in a bullish scenario where institutional demand resumes, whale buying continues, miner sales remain low, and central bank moves boost risk appetite.
But that will require large, sustained inflows and a favorable macroeconomic backdrop over many months – not just a one-off rally. Garlinghouse remains optimistic about his prediction.
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Signals to watch next
The Bank of Japan’s guidance in mid-December could influence Bitcoin’s next move. Daily ETF flows and open interest have shown significant shifts recently. On-chain data indicates that accumulators added approximately 375,000 BTC, while miner sales fell sharply. These numbers, if confirmed by the original data sources, could play an important role in shaping short-term price action.
Garlinghouse’s $180,000 phone call is a high-profile, optimistic vision which is consistent with other bullish models in the market. Reports show that there is real volatility and that large flows are already influencing the price. For now, the prediction is an opinion rooted in plausible scenarios – one to keep an eye on, not a certainty.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView