6th July, 2026
By Shubhii Verma
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has expressed strong confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term future, predicting that the world’s largest cryptocurrency could reach $1 million within the next decade.
CZ Remains Bullish Despite Market Volatility
Speaking in a recent media interview, Zhao said he remains optimistic despite Bitcoin’s recent price weakness and continued outflows from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). According to him, the current market downturn does not change Bitcoin’s long-term growth potential, as the digital asset is still in the early stages of global adoption.
One of the key reasons behind Zhao’s bullish outlook is the relatively low number of Bitcoin holders worldwide. He noted that fewer than 1% of the global population currently owns Bitcoin, leaving significant room for future growth. As more retail investors, financial institutions, and corporations adopt the cryptocurrency, increasing demand could drive prices substantially higher over time.
Bitcoin’s Future Milestones and Market Factors
While Zhao believes Bitcoin could eventually hit the $1 million mark, he also suggested that the cryptocurrency may first reach around $600,000 during the next major market cycle. Such a move would represent a significant increase from current price levels. However, he acknowledged that predicting the exact timing of these milestones remains impossible, as cryptocurrency markets are influenced by various economic, regulatory, and investor sentiment factors.
Bitcoin has experienced considerable volatility over the past year. At the time of Zhao’s comments, the cryptocurrency was trading at around $61,400, well below its all-time high of approximately $126,000 recorded in October last year. Despite the decline, many long-term supporters continue to view Bitcoin as a store of value with strong growth potential over the coming years.
Long-Term Adoption and Institutional Interest Could Drive Prices
Zhao’s latest forecast adds to a growing list of optimistic price predictions from prominent figures in the cryptocurrency industry. Many market analysts believe that increasing institutional participation, expanding regulatory clarity, and broader mainstream adoption could continue to strengthen Bitcoin’s position as the leading digital asset.
Although Zhao remains highly bullish on Bitcoin’s future, he emphasized that his projections should not be viewed as guarantees. Like all cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin remains a highly volatile asset, and its future performance will depend on a combination of market demand, macroeconomic conditions, technological developments, and evolving global regulations.His comments reinforce the belief among many crypto supporters that Bitcoin’s long-term growth story is still far from over, even amid short-term market fluctuations.