• Standard Chartered forecasts Bitcoin at $500K by 2028 as ETF-driven inflows and lower volatility fuel demand.
  • Massive institutional adoption and a crypto-supportive Trump administration will help Bitcoin’s sharp rise. 

Standard Chartered projects Bitcoin could reach $500,000 by 2028. This feat will be driven by major growth and gradual adoption by institutions and ETF market potentials. Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s Head of Digital Asset Research, outlined the prediction in a February 5 investor’s note. He predicted Bitcoin’s potential for $200k in 2025 and a steady climb to $500k by the end of Trump’s tenure. 

BITCOIN COULD RISE TO $500,000 IN THE LONG TERM

Bitcoin could rise to $500,000 in the long term if investor access improves and volatility eases, Standard Chartered's Geoff Kendrick says in a note. Investor access to bitcoin jumped last month after the U.S. approved the…

— *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) February 5, 2025

Major Forces Pushing Bitcoin Higher

Kendrick highlights major factors for this bullish stance on Bitcoin, citing the influence of increased investment via ETFs, and recently lower market volatility as key factors. Spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved in early January 2024 and already attracted $39 billions in inflows , giving access to more institutional investors. 

With Bitcoin’s market cap now at $1.95 trillion, its price volatility is gradually decreasing and maintains a steady recovery. He argues that this shift will attract large-scale investments and position Bitcoin on the edge above the traditional market risks. 

“The ETFs have attracted a net $39 billion of inflows so far, supporting the theory of pent-up demand being unleashed by increased access,” Kendrick wrote .

Standard Chartered suggests Bitcoin’s growth could accelerate under Trump’s administration. The repeal of SAB 121 and Trump’s executive order to evaluate a digital asset reserve could push central banks toward Bitcoin holdings.

If Bitcoin gains more institutional backing, its role in diversified portfolios will grow. Kendrick believes this could solidify Bitcoin’s position alongside gold as a key store of value.

Market Reaction and Analyst Sentiment

The prediction sparked mixed reactions. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas commented on X (formerly Twitter):

“Standard Chartered is mainlining the hopium again, says Bitcoin will hit $500K by the end of Trump term. Tbh tho, their crazy Bitcoin ETF flow prediction was actually closer than we were, so who knows!”

Crypto investor Thomas Kralow echoed a similar sentiment:

“Time will tell whether those predictions are close to reality or not, but it’s not something completely unreal.”

Bitcoin currently trades at  $98,595, it has recently fluctuated, but its long-term resilience and adoption rates remain its strength. Market data suggests whales are positioning for huge future gains. 

Bitcoin’s adoption as a national reserve and positive policies in different states in the U.S   could also strengthen its role against economic uncertainty, placing it as a top-priority digital asset for governance, finance, and economic growth. 

While the path to $500K is uncertain, Standard Chartered’s projection highlights growing confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value. If institutional inflows and adoption continue, Bitcoin’s rise could reshape both crypto and traditional finance in the coming years.

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