CZ Predicts a Bitcoin ‘Super Cycle’ as SEC Updates 2026 Priorities

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao believes that Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency markets may be gearing up for a significant expansion.

Key Takeaways:

CZ Expectation: Changpeng Zhao believes Bitcoin is on the verge of a "super cycle" amid changing regulatory priorities.
Institutional Interest: Major financial firms like Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley are increasing their investment in Bitcoin despite retail investors selling off.
Bold Projections: Analysts project Bitcoin could reach prices between $175,000 and $250,000 by 2026, depending on market dynamics.
Long-term Outlook: Asset managers are optimistic, with projections for Bitcoin reaching up to $53.4 million by 2050, indicating strong investment potential.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Crypto Basic. Readers should perform their own research before making investment decisions.

CZ and Bitcoin

The buzz surrounding this idea intensified after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its priority risk list for 2026, which, notably, did not mention cryptocurrencies. The SEC reaffirmed, however, that it would continue to review registered digital asset service providers when necessary. The omission of crypto from its focus list raised eyebrows and elicited strong responses from industry players.

A ‘Super Cycle’ May Be on the Horizon, Says CZ

In light of this context, Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, took to X to voice his thoughts over the weekend. He stated that both Bitcoin and the larger crypto market might be entering a "super cycle" fueled by recent developments.

CZ also pointed out a surprising trend in market behavior: while U.S. banks are increasing their investments in Bitcoin, retail investors are decreasing their holdings. His insights are consistent with recent actions by major financial companies. For example, Wells Fargo has reportedly purchased about $383 million in Bitcoin ETF shares. Similarly, Morgan Stanley submitted applications related to a Bitcoin ETF this week, which Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas attributes to increasing demand from the firm’s wealth management clients. These developments suggest that institutional interest in Bitcoin remains strong, despite uncertainty in the broader market.

“I could be wrong, but Super Cycle incoming,” CZ tweeted, hinting at his optimistic outlook.

Analysts Project Strong Bitcoin Price Growth

On top of institutional activity, numerous experts have shared bold forecasts for Bitcoin’s future price. Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Cardano, believes Bitcoin could hit $250,000 by 2026. He also mentioned the rise of non-custodial credit systems, which might enable altcoins to become less correlated with Bitcoin’s price movements.

In addition, crypto analyst ShieldedMonk, who previously contributed to Zcash, predicts that Bitcoin could range between $175,000 and $200,000 by mid-2026. His estimate assumes that capital traditionally allocated to precious metals will gradually shift to digital assets.

BTC Price Predictions from Asset Management Firms

Grayscale, a digital asset management firm, forecasts that Bitcoin may achieve new all-time highs within the first half of 2026. Looking ahead, VanEck has laid out projections extending to 2050, asserting a base-case target of $2.9 million for Bitcoin. Their estimates vary greatly, ranging from $130,000 to as much as $53.4 million.

VanEck analysts Matthew Sigel and Patrick Bush link these projections to the potential for global adoption of Bitcoin. In the most optimistic outlook, Bitcoin could challenge or even exceed gold as a leading global reserve asset, thereby capturing a significant portion of international trade and domestic economic activity.

Regulatory factors are also influencing market expectations. Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood recently stated that the United States might start purchasing Bitcoin for a strategic reserve as early as this year. As regulatory signals shift and institutional engagement increases, discussions about Bitcoin's long-term role in the global financial landscape continue to flourish.