PANews reported on December 4th, citing Cryptopolitan, that Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse stated at Binance Blockchain Week that he predicts Bitcoin's price will reach $180,000 by the end of 2026. Garlinghouse stated that he is more optimistic about the future of cryptocurrencies than in recent years, citing the increasingly clear US regulatory environment as a major positive factor. Solana Foundation Chair Lily Liu stated that even if Bitcoin's price reaches the $90,000 mark, it would be normal, and indicated that its price could very well break $100,000. Binance CEO Richard Teng acknowledged recent market volatility but emphasized that the overall trend remains extremely optimistic. Teng stated, "Volatility is not unique to cryptocurrencies, but a characteristic shared by all types of assets… but institutions are entering the market in large numbers. Institutional participation doubled last year, and has doubled again this year."