Bitcoin is forecast to peak in the first quarter of 2026, with the price possibly reaching US$120,000, backed by continued regulatory enhancement, growing acceptance from institutional and mainstream players, and the rise of stablecoins, says the Thai unit of Binance — the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.
Binance TH By Gulf Binance, a joint venture between Binance and Gulf Development Plc, sees Bitcoin becoming a strategic asset rather than a risky one, with major banks and other financial institutions entering the market, said chief executive Nirun Fuwattananukul.
“Crypto is increasingly recognised not only as a hedge in uncertain times, but also as a long-term growth asset, powered by blockchain technology that is reshaping the future of finance. What we’re seeing now is not the end of a cycle, but the beginning of a new one that will take shape in 2026,” he said.
Chief strategy officer Korn Poonsirivong outlined two other major trends set to take shape in 2026. The first is regulatory improvement in major economies such as the US, Europe and Hong Kong. In the US, key people close to President Donald Trump are pro-crypto, said Mr Korn.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, for example, supports alternative assets, citing Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation. Paul Atkins, chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, advocates for a light touch on regulations, he said.
Another major force is the accelerating rise of stablecoins, tokenisation, and real-world assets.
These trends will bring digital assets closer to everyday users, not only as an investment class, but as an integral part of payment, financial access, and value exchange, said Mr Korn.
“2026 will be the year when digital assets move from concept to real-world utility for the public,” he said. “We expect broader adoption, clearer regulatory alignment, and deeper integration with financial systems, all of which will reshape how Thai users interact with digital value.”
This year has seen the price of Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, tumble 32% from an all time high of $126,000 in October to a low of around $81,000. The price recently rebounded to about $91,400, still 27% below the peak.
“The end of quantitative tightening from Dec 1, 2025, followed by the expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut later in the month, as well as restarting quantitative easing to inject more liquidity, could make Bitcoin prices peak in the first quarter of 2026,” said Mr Korn, who added that a price of $120,000 is possible throughout that period.
Despite a turbulent 2025, Binance TH’s user base grew more than four-fold, with strong momentum fuelled by nationwide educational and community initiatives. The exchange has more than 400 tokens available on its platform, the largest number of tokens listed among digital exchanges in Thailand, said Mr Nirun.
The company announced strategic partnerships yesterday with two digital asset brokers — Bitazza and Maxbit — as well as The Brooker Group, with the aim of strengthening market infrastructure, improving asset liquidity, and expanding access to high-quality digital asset education for wealthy investors. Mr Nirun said the move could enhance market connectivity and foster crypto adoption in the country.
