Binance founder Changpeng "CZ" Zhao has made a bold prediction for Bitcoin, suggesting that 2026 could mark a supercycle for the leading cryptocurrency. In an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, CZ expressed strong confidence that Bitcoin will break its historical four-year cycle, where prices typically rise and fall following the quadrennial halving event.
Why 2026 Could Be Different
CZ cited the United States government's growing pro-crypto stance and the likelihood of other nations following suit as key drivers for this potential supercycle. He emphasized that as Bitcoin goes, the rest of the crypto market often follows, indicating broader implications for the entire ecosystem.
During his conversation with CNBC's Aaron Ross Sorkin, CZ stated, "I have very strong feelings it will probably be a supercycle in 2026 for Bitcoin." While he did not provide a specific price target, he noted that on a 5-10 year horizon, it's very easy to predict that prices will go up.
Other Crypto Execs Weigh In
Other prominent figures in the crypto space have been more specific with their forecasts. For instance, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expects Bitcoin to reach $180,000 by 2026, and BitMex co-founder Arthur Hayes has projected a target of $200,000 for the same period.
Denial of Trump Connections
CZ also addressed rumors about his relationship with former President Donald Trump, denying any direct connections that might have influenced Trump's decision to grant him a pardon in October. He clarified, "Based on my knowledge, there is really no connection." CZ explained that the Trump family's involvement in crypto and the administration's pro-crypto policies benefit the entire industry, but he has never personally met or spoken to Trump.
He further discussed an investment from Abu Dhabi firm MGX, which paid $2 billion in the USD1 stablecoin launched by Trump-connected World Liberty Financial. CZ stated that this has been "misconstrued," and his only request was to be paid in crypto to avoid dealing with banks.
Background on CZ's Legal Issues
CZ was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024 for Binance's role in money laundering violations. He was released in September 2024, two days early, after completing his sentence. Despite this, he remains a vocal advocate for Bitcoin and the crypto market's future.
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