Bitcoin’s long-standing four-year market rhythm may be approaching a turning point. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, believes the world’s largest cryptocurrency is heading toward a “supercycle,” driven largely by a sharp shift in US political and regulatory sentiment.
Speaking during an interview with CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, CZ said he strongly believes that 2026 could mark a structural break from Bitcoin’s historical price behavior. In his view, increasing institutional and political support from the United States under President Donald Trump is changing the long-term dynamics of the crypto market.
Why this moment matters for Bitcoin
Traditionally, Bitcoin has followed a four-year cycle closely tied to its halving events. Prices typically rise into and after a halving, followed by a prolonged correction. Because Bitcoin dominates the crypto market, its movements often set the tone for the entire sector.
CZ argues that this pattern may no longer fully apply. With the US now openly backing crypto innovation, and other nations beginning to follow that lead, Bitcoin could transition from a speculative cycle-driven asset into something closer to a long-term macro instrument.
If that shift plays out, it would fundamentally alter how investors model risk, timing, and valuation in the crypto market.
2026 as an inflection point
During the Davos interview, CZ stated clearly, “I strongly believe that 2026 will likely be a supercycle for Bitcoin.” While he avoided giving a specific price target, his confidence centered on structural adoption rather than short-term price momentum.
Other industry leaders have been less reserved. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has floated a $180,000 Bitcoin target, while BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has suggested $200,000. CZ, however, emphasized time horizon over numbers, noting that over a five to ten-year period, Bitcoin’s upward trajectory appears increasingly predictable.
From his perspective, regulatory clarity and institutional participation matter more than any single bull run.
Politics, perception, and controversy
CZ’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about his relationship with President Donald Trump. During the CNBC interview, Zhao firmly denied any personal or business connection related to crypto activities, despite rumors circulating within the industry.
“There really isn’t any connection,” Zhao said, explaining that the overlap between Binance and the Trump administration is purely sector-wide. According to him, the Trump family’s involvement in crypto and the administration’s supportive stance benefit all companies operating in the space, not just Binance.
Still, questions resurfaced after reports revealed that Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX allocated roughly $2 billion to Binance using the USD1 stablecoin. That stablecoin is issued by World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a decentralized finance platform backed by Donald Trump and his family.
CZ addresses the speculation directly
Zhao responded to the reports by calling the situation a misunderstanding. He explained that MGX is an independent investor that chose to use USD1 after he requested crypto-based payments, citing his personal dislike of working with banks.
He also clarified that he has never met or spoken directly with Trump. The closest interaction, according to CZ, was being approximately 30 to 40 feet away from the US president at Davos earlier this week. He did, however, express gratitude for Trump’s decision to pardon him last October, a move that raised eyebrows across both political and crypto circles.
What this could mean for the next cycle
If Bitcoin does enter a supercycle, the implications extend beyond price. A sustained pro-crypto stance from the US could accelerate institutional adoption, normalize Bitcoin as a portfolio hedge, and reduce the dominance of speculative retail-driven rallies.
At the same time, breaking the four-year cycle would challenge many existing trading strategies and valuation models. Long-term conviction could begin to outweigh short-term timing, pushing Bitcoin closer to the role CZ appears to envision: a globally relevant financial asset shaped by policy, not just code.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and risky. Always conduct your research before making any investment decisions
