In its latest digital asset study, Standard Chartered stated that 2026 would be the “Year of the Ether”. The report was written by Jeffrey Kendrick, Director of Global Digital Asset Research, and noted that, despite the overall weak performance of the encryption market, the price target for the Taifeng is expected to remain optimistic in the short term. Kendrick believes that, in the next phase of the chain application, the Taifung is in a better position than the bitcoin.
According to Monday's report by Naga Avan-Nomayo on X, Standard Chartered adjusted the ETH forecast at the end of 2026 to $7,500 (down from $12,000), set a target price of $15,000 in 2027 and $22,000 in 2028, and increased the long-term projection to $30,000 and $40,000 in 2030.
Why is it a tavern instead of a bitcoin?
The report notes that the recent poor performance of Bitcoin has affected the entire digital asset complex. However, in relative terms, the ETA application is expanding. Slagt Charter Bank highlighted the leadership role of the ITA in the stabilization of currency, the monetization of real world assets and decentrization of finance, areas that are expected to contribute to the continued demand for block space and costs. In addition, Standard Chartered Bank expects the ETH-BTC ratio to return to its 2021 high point of approximately 0.08.
Network activities and institutional flows
This argument is being reinforced by a chain of activities in the Ether Workshop. As a result of the increase in the use of stable currencies, the volume of transactions has reached a new high and currently accounts for about 35 to 40 per cent of network transactions. The growth of Layer 1 throughput, including the improvements brought about by the Fusaka upgrade last December, was mentioned by Standard Chartered Bank as historically associated with a higher market value.
Regulation and long-term perspective
Looking to the future, Scum banks see regulatory clarity as another windfall. It noted the proposed United States Clear Bill, which is expected to be adopted in early 2026 as a potential catalyst for risk preferences. Supportive stock market contexts may push bitcoin up to new heights later this year, which, according to Standard Chartered Bank, could also enhance the long-term upward potential of the Etherwood.