Dragonfly Capital’s Haseeb Qureshi Predicts $150K Bitcoin by 2026 Amid Institutional Adoption

In a bold forecast that underscores the growing institutional confidence in digital assets, Haseeb Qureshi, Managing Partner at Dragonfly Capital, has projected that Bitcoin will reach $150,000 by the end of 2026. This prediction comes despite his expectation of a decline in Bitcoin's current market dominance, which stands at approximately 59%. Qureshi's outlook is fundamentally anchored on three pivotal drivers: a significant surge in institutional adoption, the maturation of real-world blockchain utility beyond speculative trading, and an impending market consolidation that will separate fundamentally sound projects from those built merely on hype. Qureshi posits that the next phase of cryptocurrency growth will be less about retail frenzy and more about structured, large-scale capital deployment from traditional finance entities. This institutional wave, he argues, will provide a more stable and substantial foundation for price appreciation, moving Bitcoin further into the realm of a legitimate macro asset. Concurrently, he anticipates that the broader blockchain ecosystem will witness a 'shakeout,' where applications demonstrating tangible utility in finance, supply chain, and digital identity will thrive, while purely speculative tokens may fade. This natural selection process is expected to strengthen the overall market's health and credibility. Notably, Qureshi's bullish stance presents a stark contrast to the often cautious or skeptical views held by many traditional financial institutions. His analysis suggests a paradigm where Bitcoin and core blockchain innovations are increasingly viewed not as fringe technologies but as integral components of the future financial infrastructure. The $150,000 target reflects a belief in both the store-of-value thesis deepening among institutions and the network effects of scalable, practical applications coming online. As of early 2026, this forecast sets a clear and optimistic benchmark for the market, highlighting the transformative potential of sustained institutional adoption and technological maturation in the crypto space.

Dragonfly Capital's Haseeb Qureshi Predicts $150K Bitcoin by 2026 Amid Institutional Adoption

Haseeb Qureshi, Managing Partner at Dragonfly Capital, forecasts Bitcoin reaching $150,000 by the end of 2026 despite expecting a decline in its current 59% market dominance. The prediction hinges on increased institutional involvement, real-world blockchain applications, and a market shakeout separating viable projects from hype.

Qureshi's outlook contrasts with traditional financial institutions like Citigroup, which maintains a more conservative target range of $143,000-$189,000. The analysis comes as regulatory clarity emerges through legislation like the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, creating a framework for institutional participation.

Stablecoins are projected to grow alongside Bitcoin's surge, reflecting broader cryptocurrency market maturation. "2026 will surprise both to the upside and downside," Qureshi noted, emphasizing bifurcation between successful implementations and speculative ventures in the blockchain space.

Metaplanet Expands Bitcoin Holdings to 35,102 BTC with $450M Q4 Purchase

Metaplanet has significantly bolstered its bitcoin treasury, acquiring 4,279 BTC for $451 million in Q4 2025 at an average price of $105,412 per coin. The firm's total holdings now stand at 35,102 BTC, valued at approximately $3.78 billion, marking a staggering 568.2% year-to-date return.

The company employs BTC yield—a metric tracking Bitcoin holdings relative to diluted shares—as a Core performance indicator. This strategy has delivered consistent results: 309.8% yield in Q4 2024, 95.6% in Q1 2025, and 129.4% in Q2 2025.

Metaplanet's aggressive accumulation reflects deepening institutional conviction in Bitcoin's value proposition. The purchases were funded through strategic financing initiatives, underscoring the company's commitment to cryptocurrency as a treasury asset.

Russia Proposes Criminal Penalties for Illegal Bitcoin Mining

Russia's Ministry of Justice has drafted amendments to criminalize unauthorized cryptocurrency mining, introducing severe penalties including fines up to 1.5 million rubles ($19,000), forced labor, and prison sentences. The MOVE targets underground mining operations that evade tax registration or use stolen electricity.

The proposed legislation adds a new article to Russia's Criminal Code specifically addressing illegal mining activities. While Bitcoin mining was legalized in late 2024, authorities estimate a significant portion of operations remain unregulated. Penalties escalate for large-scale operations, with organizers facing up to five years imprisonment.

Bitcoin Veteran Investors Hold Firm As Sell-Side Activity Declines – An End To Distribution?

Bitcoin briefly touched $90,000 before retreating, yet a notable shift is emerging among long-term holders. Selling pressure from this cohort has eased, signaling potential accumulation. Market analyst Darkfost challenges the narrative of mass sell-offs, citing adjusted data that excludes Coinbase's 800,000 BTC movement.

The resilience of veteran investors—those holding BTC for over six months—contrasts with recent volatility. Their reduced selling activity suggests growing confidence in Bitcoin's long-term value proposition. Short-term holders remain the primary source of market turbulence.