Bitcoin seen back in six figures in 2026 as ETF and tokenisation themes gather pace

Bitcoin's long-term investment narrative is increasingly framed around institutional adoption, shifting away from retail speculation. Recent reports from Citi Research suggest a central forecast of Bitcoin reaching $143,000 by 2026, bolstered by sustained ETF inflows and clearer regulatory frameworks. This demand is viewed as structural, with ETFs making it easier for traditional investors to gain exposure, thereby underscoring Bitcoin's transformation into a mainstream portfolio diversifier. Moreover, JPMorgan Chase's initiatives in blockchain technologies, such as launching a tokenized money-market fund, reaffirm the increasing trust in tokenization in mainstream finance, despite it not being directly tied to Bitcoin. Additional insights from JPMorgan predict potential upside scenarios for Bitcoin reaching $170,000 by 2026, fueled by growing institutional participation. Overall, these developments indicate that 2026 could be a pivotal year for Bitcoin, moving it towards integration within the global financial system rather than being dictated by speculative cycles.