Standard Chartered Predicts Ethereum Lead in 2026

By: crypto insight|2026/01/12 22:30:05

Key Takeaways

Standard Chartered forecasts Ethereum to reach $7,500 by the end of 2026 and $25,000 by 2028.
The financial institution anticipates 2026 to be a pivotal year for Ethereum, marking significant outperformance in the digital asset market.
BitMine Immersion Technologies has significantly increased its Ethereum holdings, now exceeding 4.16 million ETH.
Bitcoin’s current cost basis ranges between $92,100 and $117,400, indicating potential selling pressures if prices revisit these levels.

WEEX Crypto News, 12 January 2026

Ethereum’s Rise: Predictions and Market Analysis

In a bold declaration, Standard Chartered, a prominent financial institution, has pegged the year 2026 as pivotal for Ethereum, predicting remarkable performance ahead. In a shift from prior projections, the bank now expects Ethereum’s value to rise to $7,500 by the end of the year, with further increases to $15,000 in 2027 and $25,000 by 2028. The revised forecasts reflect an optimistic outlook, propelled by Ethereum’s strengthening market fundamentals despite broader market vulnerabilities.

Why 2026 Is Set to Be Ethereum’s Year

The assertion that “2026 will be the year of Ethereum” is not made in isolation. Standard Chartered emphasizes Ethereum’s relative strength, expecting it to outperform within the digital asset space, even as Bitcoin’s performance exerts downward pressure on the sector. Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s Global Head of Digital Assets Research, highlighted that Ethereum outmatched its peers in market behavior, driven by its unique strengths and increased adoption – qualities reminiscent of its standout growth in 2021.

The bank also shared confidence in the growth of Ethereum-based applications and stability in tokenized assets. The stablecoin market is particularly projected to expand significantly, forming a key driver for Ethereum, given that Ethereum’s platform is a favored choice for these tokens. It’s anticipated that the market for stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets will soar to $2 trillion by 2028, further cementing Ethereum’s place as a core infrastructure provider in decentralized finance (DeFi).

Economic Indicators and Institutional Moves

BitMine Immersion Technologies has taken a noteworthy position within the Ethereum landscape, reinforcing the crypto’s bullish outlook. With ETH holdings escalating by over 24,200 units last week, BitMine now commands over 4.16 million ETH, establishing itself as the leading Ethereum treasury worldwide. Such substantial accumulation underscores institutional confidence in Ethereum’s long-term value and the technology’s potential to yield substantial returns.

Moreover, the dynamics within Bitcoin investments add another layer to Ethereum’s potential trajectory. Bitfinex reports a Bitcoin cost basis residing between $92,100 and $117,400, signaling that a return to these price bands could stimulate “break-even selling pressure.” This situation implies a cautionary note on Bitcoin’s near-term price movements, with Ethereum possibly positioned to capture value from capital relocating amidst volatility, as both the DeFi wave and asset tokenization proceed.

The Broader Implications of Ethereum’s Potential Surge

Ethereum’s potential ascent carries significant implications not just for investors but also for the broader crypto ecosystem. As market confidence in Ethereum continues to grow, driven by conducive legislative and regulatory environments, the liquidity and functional utility of Ethereum are anticipated to burgeon. With the possibility of Ethereum-based ETFs and increased institutional involvement, the necessary conditions for a substantial price rally seem to be maturing.

The changes in Ethereum’s expectations also prompt reflections on the competitive landscape among cryptocurrencies. As Ethereum integrates new functionalities and remains a leader in deploying smart contracts and DeFi applications, its advancement showcases how cryptocurrency platforms can evolve to meet diverse financial needs, potentially redefining conventional understandings of currency and value transfer.

Considerations for Investors

Investors eyeing Ethereum should consider standard risks associated with crypto volatility and potential regulatory shifts. As Ethereum’s growth prospects brighten, market participants must stay informed about technological innovations within the Ethereum ecosystem, which could accelerate adoption and drive stronger network effects. For those looking to explore Ethereum trading or investment opportunities, platforms like WEEX provide an entry point, offering trading and strategic insights. Sign up today [here](https://www.weex.com/register?vipCode=vrmi) to delve into crypto trading on WEEX.

FAQ

How does Standard Chartered view Ethereum compared to Bitcoin?

Standard Chartered posits Ethereum will outperform Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 2026. The bank’s analysis suggests that Ethereum’s strong fundamentals and adoption curves place it in a prime position for growth, especially amidst Bitcoin’s potential short-term volatility.

What are the expected price targets for Ethereum?

Standard Chartered forecasts Ethereum to hit $7,500 by the end of 2026, climbing to $15,000 in 2027, and reaching as much as $25,000 by 2028. These projections underline growing confidence in Ethereum’s long-term prospects and foundational network strength.

Who is leading in Ethereum holdings?

BitMine Immersion Technologies has emerged as the leader in Ethereum holdings globally, maintaining over 4.16 million ETH. This positions the firm as a significant stakeholder in Ethereum’s future, reflecting broad institutional belief in the asset’s potential.

What are the broader implications of Ethereum’s projected rise?

Beyond price appreciation, Ethereum’s anticipated rise indicates the platform’s expanding role in DeFi and smart contracts. As a preferred blockchain for stablecoin issuance and tokenized assets, Ethereum’s ascent could signify broader adoption, innovation, and shifts in digital asset use cases.

What factors could accelerate Ethereum’s growth?

Key factors contributing to Ethereum’s growth include increased DeFi application deployment, stablecoin activity, potential ETF approvals, legislative tailwinds, and continuous innovation in on-chain functionalities. Institutional investments reinforce these trends, providing additional market impetus.

-- Price

On March 16, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, USA, CanGu Company (New York Stock Exchange code: CANG, hereinafter referred to as "CanGu" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. As a btc-42">bitcoin mining enterprise relying on a globally operated layout and dedicated to building an integrated energy and AI computing power platform, CanGu is actively advancing its business transformation and infrastructure development.

2025 Full Year and Fourth Quarter Financial and Operational Highlights

• Financial Performance:

Total revenue for the full year 2025 was $688.1 million, with $179.5 million in the fourth quarter.

Bitcoin mining business revenue for the full year was $675.5 million, with $172.4 million in the fourth quarter.

Full-year adjusted EBITDA was $24.5 million, while the fourth quarter was -$156.3 million.

• Mining Operations and Costs:

A total of 6,594.6 bitcoins were mined throughout the year, averaging 18.07 bitcoins per day; of which 1,718.3 bitcoins were mined in the fourth quarter, averaging 18.68 bitcoins per day.

The average mining cost for the full year (excluding miner depreciation) was $79,707 per bitcoin, and for the fourth quarter, it was $84,552;

The all-in sustaining costs were $97,272 and $106,251 per bitcoin, respectively.

As of the end of December 2025, the company has cumulatively produced 7,528.4 bitcoins since entering the bitcoin mining business.

• Strategic Progress:

The company has completed the termination of the American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program and transitioned to a direct listing on the NYSE to enhance information transparency and align with its strategic direction, with a long-term goal of expanding its investor base.

CEO Paul Yu stated: "2025 marked the company's first full year as a bitcoin mining enterprise, characterized by rapid execution and structural reshaping. We completed a comprehensive adjustment of our asset system and established a globally distributed mining network. Additionally, the company introduced a new management team, further strengthening our capabilities and competitive advantage in the digital asset and energy infrastructure space. The completion of the NYSE direct listing and USD pricing also signifies our transformation into a global AI infrastructure company."

"As we enter 2026, the company will continue to optimize its balance sheet structure and enhance operational efficiency and cost resilience through adjustments to the miner portfolio. At the same time, we are advancing our strategic transformation into an AI infrastructure provider. Leveraging EcoHash, we will utilize our capabilities in scalable computing power and energy networks to provide cost-effective AI inference solutions. The relevant site transformations and product development are progressing simultaneously, and the company is well-positioned to sustain its execution in the new phase."

The company's Chief Financial Officer, Michael Zhang, stated: "By 2025, the company is expected to achieve significant revenue growth through its scaled mining operations. Despite recording a net loss of $452.8 million from ongoing operations, mainly due to one-time transformation costs and market-driven fair value adjustments, the company, from a financial perspective, will reduce its leverage, optimize its Bitcoin reserve strategy and liquidity management, introduce new capital to strengthen its financial position, and seize investment opportunities in high-potential areas such as AI infrastructure while navigating market volatility."

Fourth Quarter 2025 Ongoing Operations Financial Performance

Revenue

The total revenue for the fourth quarter was $1.795 billion. Of this, the Bitcoin mining business contributed $1.724 billion in revenue, generating 1,718.3 Bitcoins during the quarter. Revenue from the international automobile trading business was $4.8 million.

Operating Costs and Expenses

The total operating costs and expenses for the fourth quarter amounted to $4.56 billion, primarily attributed to expenses related to the Bitcoin mining business, as well as impairment of mining machines and fair value losses on Bitcoin collateral receivables.

This includes:

· Cost of Revenue (excluding depreciation): $1.553 billion

· Cost of Revenue (depreciation): $38.1 million

· Operating Expenses: $9.9 million (including related-party expenses of $1.1 million)

· Mining Machine Impairment Loss: $81.4 million

· Fair Value Loss on Bitcoin Collateral Receivables: $171.4 million

Profit Situation

The operating loss for the fourth quarter was $276.6 million, a significant increase from a loss of $0.7 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the downward trend in Bitcoin prices.

The net loss from ongoing operations was $285 million, compared to a net profit of $2.4 million in the same period last year.

The adjusted EBITDA was -$156.3 million, compared to $2.4 million in the same period last year.

Full Year 2025 Ongoing Operations Financial Performance

Revenue

The total revenue for the full year was $6.881 billion. Of this, the revenue from the Bitcoin mining business was $6.755 billion, with a total output of 6,594.6 Bitcoins for the year. Revenue from the international automobile trading business was $9.8 million.

Operating Costs and Expenses

The total annual operating costs and expenses amount to $1.1 billion.

Specifically, they include:

· Revenue Cost (excluding depreciation): $543.3 million

· Revenue Cost (depreciation): $116.6 million

· Operating Expenses: $28.9 million (including related-party expenses of $1.1 million)

· Miner Impairment Loss: $338.3 million

· Bitcoin Collateral Receivable Fair Value Change Loss: $96.5 million

Profitability

The full-year operating loss is $437.1 million. The continuing operations net loss is $452.8 million, while in 2024, there was a net profit of $4.8 million.

The 2025 non-GAAP adjusted net profit is $24.5 million (compared to $5.7 million in 2024). This measure does not include share-based compensation expenses; refer to "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for details.

Financial Position

As of December 31, 2025, the company's key assets and liabilities are as follows:

· Cash and Cash Equivalents: $41.2 million

· Bitcoin Collateral Receivable (Non-current, related party): $663.0 million

· Miner Net Value: $248.7 million

· Long-Term Debt (related party): $557.6 million

In February 2026, the company sold 4,451 bitcoins and repaid a portion of related-party long-term debt to reduce financial leverage and optimize the asset-liability structure.

Stock Repurchase

As per the stock repurchase plan disclosed on March 13, 2025, as of December 31, 2025, the company had repurchased a total of 890,155 shares of Class A common stock for approximately $1.2 million.

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