Ethereum enthusiasts have a fresh reason to cheer. Standard Chartered has upped its predictions for the cryptocurrency’s future value, projecting a significant rise in ether’s price to $7,500 by the end of 2025 and a staggering $25,000 by 2028. According to Geoff Kendrick, the bank’s crypto guru, this bullish outlook is fueled by a cocktail of increasing institutional interest, supportive regulatory developments, and ongoing improvements to the Ethereum network.
Institutional Appetite and Regulatory Winds
Kendrick highlights the burgeoning appetite among institutional players as a major catalyst. Since early June, entities like Ether treasury companies and spot exchange-traded funds have collectively snapped up 3.8% of all ETH in circulation. That’s an eye-popping pace—double the speed of comparable bitcoin acquisitions. This rush for ether is attributed to its potential as a treasury asset, with companies seeing it as a more strategic buy than ETH-focused ETFs, as explored in our recent coverage of Ethereum Treasury Stocks.
And then there’s the regulatory landscape. The U.S. recently witnessed the passage of the GENIUS Act in July, a legislative move that champions the mainstream adoption of stablecoins. Given that over half of these stablecoins are issued on the Ethereum network and they account for 40% of blockchain fees, it’s no wonder the legislation is a boon for Ethereum.
Ethereum’s Technological Edge
On the tech front, Ethereum isn’t resting on its laurels. The network is poised for a transformation, aiming to amplify its Layer 1 throughput by a factor of ten. Such an upgrade would not only facilitate high-value transactions but also bolster the Layer 2 ecosystems, drawing more developers and projects to its fold. This network expansion is seen as a significant tailwind, potentially driving ether’s value further north.
In the context of market dynamics, Kendrick forecasts that ether will continue to outshine bitcoin, predicting the ETH/BTC ratio to rise from the current 0.039 to 0.05. This outperformance isn’t merely speculative; it’s backed by ether’s growing utility and the structural evolution of its network. For a deeper dive into these investment strategies, see our analysis of Ethereum Treasuries.
A Historical Context
It’s noteworthy to reflect on where Ethereum stands today. Just a month ago, ether was trading more than 50% lower than its current levels, hovering close to its peak of $4,700. This rapid ascent underscores both the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies and the unique opportunities they present.
Historically, Ethereum has been at the forefront of blockchain innovation, from pioneering smart contracts to hosting decentralized applications. Its evolution has been marked by key upgrades, such as the transition to proof-of-stake—a move that not only reduced its carbon footprint but also reshaped its economic model.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
While the outlook is rosy, it’s not without potential hurdles. The cryptocurrency market is notoriously unpredictable, and regulatory shifts can sometimes blindside even the most seasoned analysts. There’s also the question of whether Ethereum can maintain its momentum amid fierce competition from other blockchain platforms.
Yet, for those keeping an eye on the digital asset space, Kendrick’s projections are hard to ignore. They not only reflect a deep confidence in Ethereum’s future but also signal a broader trend of institutional adoption and technological advancement.
As we inch closer to 2026, the real question remains: Can Ethereum live up to its sky-high expectations? Only time will tell, but if the current trajectory is anything to go by, the road ahead promises to be nothing short of exhilarating.
Source
This article is based on: Ether Price Target Lifted to $7.5K at Year-End and $25K in 2028 at Standard Chartered
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- Are Ethereum Treasury Companies A Threat To Bitcoin? Michael Saylor Reveals His Stance
- ETH/BTC Nears Key Level: Could Ethereum Outpace Bitcoin Again?
- The Next Big Crypto Bet: Why Tom Lee Says Ethereum Holds the Key
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
