Bitcoin is once again capturing global attention as one of the world’s most respected financial institutions, Standard Chartered, forecasts a staggering price surge. In its H2 2025 market outlook, the bank projects that Bitcoin could climb to $135,000 by September 30** and potentially reach **$200,000 by the end of December 2025. This bullish prediction marks one of the most aggressive price targets from a traditional financial player to date.
Geoffrey Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s global head of digital assets research, attributes this optimism to a confluence of macroeconomic trends, institutional adoption, and evolving investor sentiment. As the crypto market enters a new phase of maturity, Bitcoin is increasingly being viewed not just as a speculative asset, but as a legitimate store of value and macro hedge.
👉 Discover how institutional adoption is reshaping Bitcoin’s future.
Strong Inflows from ETFs and Corporate Treasuries Fuel Momentum
One of the primary drivers behind Standard Chartered’s forecast is the unprecedented level of demand from spot Bitcoin ETFs and corporate treasuries. In Q2 2025 alone, these two sources collectively acquired 245,000 BTC, signaling a structural shift in how capital is entering the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Spot ETFs have emerged as a dominant force, attracting $12.4 billion in net inflows during the second quarter—surpassing even gold ETFs despite heightened geopolitical tensions in regions like the Middle East. This trend underscores a growing institutional preference for Bitcoin as a long-term reserve asset.
Corporate treasuries are also playing a pivotal role. While Michael Saylor’s Strategy Sector has slowed its aggressive accumulation pace, other major firms have stepped in. Notably, a Virginia-based company added nearly 69,000 BTC to its balance sheet in Q2, while additional large corporations purchased approximately 56,000 BTC.
Kendrick emphasizes that this shift is not temporary. He expects Q3 2025 to see even stronger buying pressure, with more companies integrating Bitcoin into their treasury strategies. If these projections hold, Bitcoin could gain over $92,000 in just six months**, rising from its current level of around **$107,644.
This would represent the most explosive second-half performance in Bitcoin’s 15-year history, surpassing previous bull runs driven solely by retail enthusiasm.
Bitcoin Emerges as a Macro Asset Class
The narrative around Bitcoin is evolving. No longer dismissed as a volatile digital experiment, it is now being analyzed through the lens of traditional macroeconomics. Kendrick notes that investors are increasingly treating Bitcoin as a macro asset, similar to gold or U.S. Treasuries.
A key indicator of this shift is the lack of significant short positions among hedge funds. Despite periodic volatility, institutional traders are not betting heavily against Bitcoin, reflecting strong underlying confidence in its long-term value proposition.
Historically, Bitcoin’s price cycles followed a predictable pattern—peaking approximately 500 days after each halving event, then entering a correction phase. However, Kendrick argues that this model may no longer apply.
“The market dynamics have fundamentally changed,” Kendrick stated. “ETFs and corporate buyers did not exist in earlier cycles. These new participants are long-term holders who are less likely to sell during downturns.”
With long-term holders (HODLers) showing reduced selling pressure and new capital flowing in consistently, the supply-demand imbalance favors sustained price appreciation.
👉 See how macro trends are influencing Bitcoin’s price trajectory.
Regulatory Tailwinds Could Accelerate Adoption
Policy developments could provide an additional catalyst for Bitcoin’s ascent. Kendrick highlights two potential regulatory shifts that may boost investor confidence and drive further adoption.
First, if former President Donald Trump announces an early appointment for a new Federal Reserve Chair, it could signal an accelerated timeline for interest rate cuts. Lower interest rates typically reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like Bitcoin, making it more attractive to investors seeking inflation protection.
Second, the proposed GENIUS stablecoin bill, which now enjoys bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate, could soon become law. If passed, it would establish a clear regulatory framework for dollar-backed stablecoins—potentially increasing retail participation in the crypto economy.
“Stablecoins act as on-ramps to the broader crypto ecosystem,” Kendrick explained. “Easier access means more people can enter the market, and many will ultimately allocate part of their portfolio to Bitcoin.”
Additionally, Kendrick observes that Bitcoin’s price has closely tracked long-term U.S. bond yields since early 2024. With expectations of monetary easing in late 2025, this correlation suggests further upside potential.
New 13F filings also reveal that sovereign wealth funds and other ultra-high-net-worth institutional investors are quietly accumulating Bitcoin. Kendrick expects this trend to become more visible in August’s upcoming filings, which could trigger a wave of follow-on investment.
Core Keywords Driving Market Sentiment
The growing institutional embrace of Bitcoin revolves around several core themes:
- Bitcoin price prediction
- Bitcoin ETFs
- Corporate treasury adoption
- Macroeconomic trends
- Regulatory developments
- Store of value
- Institutional investment
- Crypto market outlook
These keywords reflect both investor priorities and search intent across financial and crypto communities. Their natural integration into market analysis helps align content with real-time queries while maintaining readability and authority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Standard Chartered’s Bitcoin price prediction for 2025?
A: Standard Chartered forecasts Bitcoin to reach $135,000 by September 30 and $200,000 by December 31, 2025, driven by ETF inflows and corporate adoption.
Q: Why are corporate treasuries buying Bitcoin?
A: Companies are adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets as a long-term store of value and hedge against inflation, following pioneers like Strategy Sector and other early adopters.
Q: How do ETFs impact Bitcoin’s price?
A: Spot Bitcoin ETFs increase liquidity and accessibility for institutional investors, leading to sustained buying pressure and reduced volatility over time.
Q: Could regulation affect Bitcoin’s growth?
A: Yes—favorable policies like the GENIUS stablecoin bill could boost retail adoption, while monetary policy shifts such as interest rate cuts may enhance Bitcoin’s appeal as a macro asset.
Q: Is Bitcoin still following its halving cycle?
A: According to Standard Chartered, traditional cycle models may no longer apply due to the influence of ETFs and corporate buyers who hold long-term.
Q: Are sovereign wealth funds investing in Bitcoin?
A: Emerging 13F filings suggest that major institutional players, including sovereign wealth funds, are beginning to allocate capital to Bitcoin.
👉 Explore how global investors are integrating Bitcoin into portfolios.
Conclusion: A New Era for Digital Assets
Standard Chartered’s bold forecast reflects a broader transformation in the financial world. Bitcoin is no longer on the fringe—it’s at the center of strategic asset allocation discussions among banks, corporations, and policymakers.
With structural demand from ETFs and treasuries, supportive macro conditions, and potential regulatory clarity on the horizon, the path toward $200,000 appears increasingly plausible. While short-term volatility remains inevitable, the long-term trajectory points upward.
As more institutions recognize Bitcoin’s role as a decentralized store of value and inflation-resistant asset, its integration into mainstream finance will only deepen. For investors watching from the sidelines, now may be the time to reconsider Bitcoin not as a gamble—but as a strategic component of a modern portfolio.