In a bold new forecast, Standard Chartered — the $1.1 trillion global financial services firm — has doubled down on its bullish outlook for Bitcoin, predicting the leading cryptocurrency will surge to a new all-time high during the second quarter of 2025. With Bitcoin already showing strong momentum — recently breaking through the $95,000 mark — analysts at the bank believe this is just the beginning of a much larger upward trend.
According to Geoffrey Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s global head of digital asset research, Bitcoin is poised for explosive growth as macroeconomic conditions shift and institutional capital begins reallocating from traditional U.S. assets into digital ones. He urges investors to act now, stating that “buy now” could be one of the most strategic financial decisions this year.
Why Q2 Could Be Bitcoin’s Breakout Quarter
Several key factors are converging to support Standard Chartered’s optimistic projection. One of the most compelling indicators is the current state of the U.S. Treasury term premium, which Kendrick notes has reached a 12-year high. Historically, this metric has shown a strong correlation with Bitcoin’s price movements. When risk premiums rise due to inflation concerns or monetary uncertainty, investors tend to seek alternative stores of value — and increasingly, that destination is BTC.
Additionally, time-of-day trading patterns suggest a notable increase in buying activity from U.S.-based investors during off-peak hours, hinting at growing interest in non-U.S.-dollar-denominated assets. This behavioral shift aligns with broader trends of portfolio diversification, especially amid geopolitical volatility and concerns over long-term dollar stability.
“A number of indicators support our view that Bitcoin is headed for the next leg higher,” said Geoffrey Kendrick. “We’re seeing reallocation not just from equities but also from gold into BTC.”
This movement away from gold — traditionally viewed as the ultimate safe-haven asset — and into Bitcoin underscores a generational shift in how value is stored and perceived in the digital age.
From $120,000 to $200,000: A Steady Ascent Ahead?
Standard Chartered initially projected that Bitcoin could reach $120,000 by mid-year, but recent market dynamics have led the firm to revise its expectations upward. While $120,000 remains a near-term target for Q2, Kendrick now believes that Bitcoin could push toward $200,000 before the end of 2025.
This trajectory would represent a dramatic acceleration from previous cycles, fueled not only by retail enthusiasm but by increasing institutional adoption. The bank’s earlier prediction — that Bitcoin could hit $500,000 by the end of a potential second Trump term — remains intact, suggesting that current price gains are just the opening phase of a much longer bull run.
👉 Discover how expert analysis is shaping the next wave of crypto investment strategies.
Institutional Momentum Builds
The renewed confidence isn't limited to Standard Chartered. Major financial institutions like Deutsche Bank are also exploring expanded cryptocurrency operations in the United States, signaling a broader acceptance of digital assets within traditional finance. These developments point to deeper integration between legacy financial systems and blockchain-based ecosystems.
As regulatory clarity improves and custody solutions mature, more pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and asset managers are expected to enter the space. This influx of capital could create sustained demand pressure on Bitcoin, especially given its fixed supply cap of 21 million coins.
Bitcoin vs. Gold: A New Store of Value Emerges
One of the most significant shifts highlighted by Standard Chartered is the growing preference for Bitcoin over gold among forward-thinking investors. While gold has served as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation for centuries, Bitcoin offers several modern advantages:
- Portability and divisibility: BTC can be transferred globally in minutes and divided into satoshis (100 million per coin).
- Transparency: All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, reducing counterparty risk.
- Scarcity: Unlike gold, whose supply can increase with new mining discoveries, Bitcoin’s issuance is algorithmically capped.
As more investors recognize these benefits, the flow of capital from gold ETFs and physical bullion into Bitcoin funds is expected to accelerate — further driving up prices.
👉 See how digital assets are redefining long-term wealth preservation.
What This Means for Investors
For individual investors, Standard Chartered’s outlook presents both an opportunity and a call to education. With Bitcoin potentially entering a new phase of price discovery, understanding market cycles, risk management, and secure storage practices becomes crucial.
Timing remains uncertain, but the directional signal is clear: institutional validation is growing, macroeconomic tailwinds are strengthening, and adoption is expanding. Whether you're considering dollar-cost averaging or allocating a portion of your portfolio to BTC, doing so with informed strategy is key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Standard Chartered’s new price target for Bitcoin in Q2 2025?
A: Standard Chartered forecasts Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high in Q2 2025, with initial targets around $120,000.
Q: Why does Standard Chartered believe Bitcoin will outperform traditional assets?
A: The bank cites rising U.S. Treasury term premiums, institutional reallocation from gold to BTC, and increased demand from U.S.-based investors as key drivers.
Q: Is there evidence supporting increased institutional interest in Bitcoin?
A: Yes — beyond Standard Chartered’s analysis, firms like Deutsche Bank are expanding crypto operations in the U.S., indicating broader financial sector adoption.
Q: How does Bitcoin compare to gold as a store of value?
A: Bitcoin offers superior portability, transparency, and fixed scarcity compared to gold, making it increasingly attractive in digital-first economies.
Q: Should I invest in Bitcoin based on these predictions?
A: While forecasts provide insight, all investments carry risk. It's important to conduct personal research and consider your risk tolerance before investing.
Q: Where can I securely buy and store Bitcoin?
A: Reputable platforms offer secure trading and custody solutions; always prioritize exchanges with strong security protocols and regulatory compliance.
👉 Learn how trusted platforms are helping users enter the crypto market safely and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Standard Chartered’s latest forecast reinforces a growing consensus: Bitcoin is no longer a speculative fringe asset but a legitimate component of modern financial portfolios. With macro trends favoring digital scarcity over fiat expansion, and institutions increasingly embracing blockchain technology, the path toward $120,000 — and beyond — appears increasingly plausible.
While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, the convergence of technical indicators, investor behavior, and structural shifts in global finance makes this moment uniquely significant. As Geoffrey Kendrick puts it: “Now is the time” to pay attention.
For those ready to explore what lies ahead in the evolving world of digital assets, informed action today could yield substantial rewards tomorrow.