Standard Chartered Says Bitcoin Could Fall to $50,000, Outlines Bearish Scenario

▲ Bitcoin (BTC)

Global banking giant Standard Chartered has poured cold water on the market with a shocking report warning that Bitcoin (BTC) could plunge to the $50,000 level amid a wave of U.S.-led regulatory tightening.

According to cryptocurrency-focused outlet BeInCrypto on Feb. 12 (local time), Geoff Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered, cautioned that Bitcoin could fall to $50,000 in the short term. Kendrick assessed that growing regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies in the United States is rapidly weakening the optimism that has driven the market. In particular, the actions of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have emerged as a key variable that will determine the market’s direction.

Kendrick projected that if the SEC rejects the approval of a spot Ethereum ETF or continues to pressure the cryptocurrency market, downward pressure on Bitcoin will intensify. Given Bitcoin’s recent sharp rally, there is a strong likelihood that profit-taking sell orders could flood the market and trigger a price correction. Market participants are responding sensitively to every regulatory move by U.S. authorities while shifting toward defensive positioning.

The risk of cascading liquidations of highly leveraged positions is currently rising in the cryptocurrency market, and the $50,000 level is regarded as a critically important technical and psychological support zone. “The market is currently overheated, and decisions by U.S. regulators could act as a trigger for a downward wave,” Kendrick stated. His warning has dampened momentum just as Bitcoin was attempting further gains, fueling investor anxiety.

Although the risk of a short-term plunge has been raised, Kendrick added that such a correction would be a necessary process for a long-term bull market. However, a drop to $50,000 could inflict significant pain on investors, and he advised focusing on risk management—such as increasing cash holdings—rather than indiscriminate buying on rallies. His remarks suggest that policy changes in the U.S. market now exert far greater influence on cryptocurrency prices than in the past.

Bitcoin now stands at a crossroads: whether it can defend the $50,000 support level and build a foundation for a rebound, or fall further amid regulatory uncertainty. Market experts expect upcoming U.S. economic indicators and comments from regulators in the coming weeks to maximize price volatility. Investors are closely monitoring market conditions to see whether the large-scale correction projected by Kendrick will materialize.

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