Standard Chartered Bank has issued a bold new forecast: Bitcoin could reach $120,000 by Q2 2025, with a year-end target of $200,000. Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s Global Head of Digital Assets Research, cites strong market indicators like institutional accumulation, strategic asset reallocations, and Bitcoin’s evolving role as a store of value.
At the time of the report (April 28, 2025), Bitcoin was trading around $95,000 — signaling serious upside potential ahead.
Key Drivers Behind the Bullish Outlook
1. Strategic Asset Reallocation
Kendrick highlights that investors are increasingly shifting away from U.S. assets. This move correlates with $BTC Bitcoin price surges in previous cycles. With U.S. Treasury term premiums at a 12-year high, macroeconomic conditions seem primed to fuel Bitcoin’s next leg up.
2. Whale Accumulation at Multi-Month Highs
Data from Glassnode shows Bitcoin whale wallets (holding 1,000+ BTC) climbed to 2,107 wallets in April 2025 — the highest in four months. Historically, heavy whale accumulation has preceded major Bitcoin rallies.
3. ETF Flows Shift From Gold to Bitcoin
Investors are increasingly choosing Bitcoin ETFs over traditional gold ETFs. A massive $381.3 million flowed into Bitcoin ETFs in a single day in Q2, reinforcing Bitcoin’s growing image as "digital gold."
4. Global Buying Trends Strengthen
Following President Trump's 90-day tariff reprieve, both U.S. and Asian investors accelerated Bitcoin purchases. Trading patterns show divestment out of U.S. assets, benefiting Bitcoin demand globally.
Institutional Adoption and Regulation Tailwinds
Standard Chartered expects the next wave of Bitcoin growth to be underpinned by:
Rising interest from pension funds and sovereign wealth funds (expected in upcoming 13F filings).
Strengthened regulation, including anticipated U.S. stablecoin legislation by late 2025.
Broad institutional acceptance, positioning Bitcoin as a permanent asset class in global finance.
Conclusion: $120K in Sight?
While markets remain volatile, Standard Chartered’s analysis paints a compelling case for Bitcoin’s next breakout. Strategic asset shifts, whale behavior, ETF trends, and growing institutional involvement all point toward higher prices.
If Standard Chartered’s prediction plays out, Bitcoin could smash through its previous all-time high, cementing its status as a true "digital gold" for the modern era.
Sources: CryptoSlate, Investing.com, CoinDesk, Bitget News, Reuters, and more.
