'I’m Very Bullish': Ripple CEO Goes on Record Predicting Crypto All-Time High

Crypto markets are eyeing a powerful breakout as regulatory clarity and institutional demand align, with Ripple’s chief executive signaling confidence that digital assets could push to new highs amid shifting valuations and accelerating adoption.

Ripple CEO: New All-Time Highs Ahead as Institutions Trigger a Crypto Market Reset

Crypto markets are entering a phase of accelerating optimism as sentiment strengthens across the digital asset sector. Prices are positioned for a powerful advance driven by regulatory momentum, institutional participation, and maturing use cases, according to Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. The outlook reflects confidence that the current cycle has room to expand meaningfully.

Garlinghouse told CNBC last week while discussing his expectations for crypto markets this year:

“I’m very bullish, and yes, I’ll go on record as saying, I think we’ll see an all-time high.”

He described growing engagement from “major” financial institutions as a “massive sea change,” signaling a structural shift in demand rather than short-term speculation.

“I don’t think that’s priced into the crypto market as much as I would have expected right now,” the Ripple CEO explained, arguing that institutional interest has progressed faster than market valuations reflect. He pointed to evolving regulatory frameworks, including recent U.S. legislation, as developments that have unlocked activity and improved confidence among large financial players.

Garlinghouse also referenced bitcoin’s previous peak near $126,000 in October 2025 as evidence that the market has already demonstrated its capacity to reach significantly higher levels during periods of favorable policy and liquidity conditions.

Read more: It’s Happening: Ripple Says XRP Is the Heartbeat of the Internet of Value

Looking beyond price cycles, Garlinghouse focused on the trajectory of Ripple’s ecosystem and the broader crypto industry. Underscoring Ripple’s long-term exposure to the XRP network development and adoption, he noted:

“We are a very vested party in what goes on in the XRP ecosystem. In another five or 10 years, you’re going to see continued, very positive momentum.”

He framed XRP’s growth as structural rather than speculative. Garlinghouse further described crypto markets as “settling into a really nice opportunity to grow for the next 10 years,” highlighting stablecoins, payments efficiency, and clearer regulation as central drivers.

He expressed confidence that additional legislative efforts, such as the proposed CLARITY Act, are nearing completion, which could further normalize crypto within financial infrastructure. Taken together, his remarks outline a view that regulatory certainty, institutional engagement, and maturing use cases are aligning to support sustained expansion across digital assets.

FAQ ⏰

• Why does Ripple’s CEO expect a new crypto all-time high?
  He cited rising institutional participation and regulatory clarity as factors not yet fully priced into crypto valuations.
• What role does the GENIUS Act play in crypto markets?
  The GENIUS Act establishes clearer regulatory guardrails that Garlinghouse says unlock new digital asset activity.
• How does institutional demand affect bitcoin and crypto prices?
  Garlinghouse said growing involvement from large financial institutions represents a massive shift driving long-term demand.
• What is Ripple’s long-term outlook for the XRP ecosystem?
  Ripple expects continued positive momentum over the next five to 10 years as adoption and infrastructure mature.