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Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers this investment to be high risk.
What are the key risks?
1. You could lose all the money you invest
- The performance of most cryptoassets can be highly volatile, with their value dropping as quickly as it can rise. You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in cryptoassets.
- The cryptoasset market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money or any cryptoassets you purchase due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and firm failure.
2. You should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong
- The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) doesn't protect this type of investment because it's not a 'specified investment' under the UK regulatory regime – in other words, this type of investment isn't recognised as the sort of investment that the FSCS can protect. Learn more by using the FSCS investment protection checker.
- The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) will not be able to consider complaints related to this firm or Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA regulated firm, FOS may be able to consider it. Learn more about FOS protection here.
3. You may not be able to sell your investment when you want to
- There is no guarantee that investments in cryptoassets can be easily sold at any given time. The ability to sell a cryptoasset depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at that time.
- Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and comingling of funds could cause unwanted delay and you may be unable to sell your cryptoassets at the time you want.
4. Cryptoasset investments can be complex
- Investments in cryptoassets can be complex, making it difficult to understand the risks associated with the investment.
- You should do your own research before investing. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Putting all your money into a single type of investment is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well.
- A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments.
If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA's website here.
For further information about cryptoassets, visit the FCA's website here.
Finder analyses expert predictions each quarter. We conducted our most recent survey in July 2024, in which our panel of 32 crypto industry specialists shared their thoughts on how bitcoin will perform through 2030.
All prices mentioned in this report are denominated in US dollars.
On average, our panelists think bitcoin (BTC) will be worth $87,169 by the end of 2024. Looking further ahead, they see the price of BTC rising to $127,494 by year-end 2025 and $383,514 by the close of 2030.
Bitcoin price predictions for 2024, 2025 and 2030
Bitcoin's price is expected to rise to $87,169 by year-end 2024, according to the average prediction from Finder's panellists.
Our most bullish panellists see BTC trading at $200,000 by the end of 2024, while our most bearish panelist sees it dropping well below where it is now, reaching $10,000 by the end of the year.
Our panellists also predict BTC will hit $127,494 by 2025 and $383,514 by 2030. The panel is far more bearish than last quarter when their long-term prediction for 2025 came in at $150,996 and $567,489 for 2030.
One of our more bullish panellists Dr. Sathvik Vishwanath, CEO of Unocoin Technologies, thinks that based on BTC's history, we should see bitcoin's value rise by the end of 2024 and hit $120,000. Adding that, while bitcoin's price will continue to fluctuate, it is a viable investment option over the long term:
"My bitcoin price predictions are based on historical price trends, market sentiment and ongoing institutional interest. BTC's current price reflects its role as a digital store of value comparable to gold. Given the macroeconomic factors and increasing adoption, BTC seems priced fairly at present. Volatility remains a constant, so holding BTC may be the best strategy for long-term gains."
Ronen Cojocaru, CEO of 8081 Inc, is similarly bullish and also expects BTC to close out 2024 at $120,000, adding that factors including the halvening and the bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) adoption will positively impact its price.
At the other end of the spectrum is John Hawkins, senior lecturer at the University of Canberra, who sees the price of bitcoin falling to $20,000 before the year is out.
"Bitcoin remains a speculative bubble. All the hype about the bitcoin "halving" came to nothing, with the price having fallen since. In over a decade, bitcoin has made minimal progress in becoming a payment medium in the legal economy. To the extent that there are use cases such as smart contracts, they will use central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), not bitcoin. As the BIS' chief economist Hyun Song Shin put it, 'Anything that crypto can do, CBDCs can do better."
How high and low will BTC go in 2024?
The average peak price our panellists predict bitcoin will hit at some point in 2024 is $93,333, with some predicting it will climb as high as $200,000.
The average lowest price our panellists predict bitcoin will hit at some point in 2024 is $48,117, with some predicting it will fall as low as $10,000.
Ben Ritchie, the managing director of Alpha Node, believes we'll see BTC reach $120,000 at some point in 2024 based on BTC's four-year cycle.
"Bitcoin's current price is consolidating after reaching its 2021 peak resistance. We anticipate that the longer this consolidation phase, the higher the probability becomes of breaking through this resistance and reaching new highs. This would be consistent with its historical four-year cycle."
Julian Hosp, the CEO of Cake Group, is also quite bullish, as he thinks we'll see BTC crest $120,000 on the back of, essentially, FOMO.
"Missing use case. Missing ETF hype. Missing money printing."
Diego Apaza, the CEO of Alpha Stocks Lab, is a bit less bullish but still thinks we'll see BTC hit $90,000 at its peak in 2024, based on its current price action and consolidation period by "Observing the technicals on the charts and measuring the amount of dollar moves it does when it breaks out of those consolidation areas."
Dimitrios Salampasis, senior lecturer on emerging technologies and FinTech at Swinburne University of Technology, doesn't see high peaks for BTC over the remainder of 2024, predicting the highest it will go is $65,000. But he also doesn't see the bottom coming out, predicting the minimum value for BTC throughout 2024 to be $61,805.
"Bitcoin seems to be performing well as a store of value. Moreover, the developments around the bitcoin ETF seem to have some sort of an effect on the overall price of bitcoin. Moreover, there are expectations of further adoption based on technological advancements in the Bitcoin Lightning Network that could boost scalability potentialities."
Senior market analyst at FxPro, Alexander Kuptsikevich, sees the price of BTC reaching a low of around $38,300 but expects the market to turn around with an end-of-year prediction of $80,000.
"Despite four weeks of consecutive declines and a bit of a downtrend after the March peak, there is still a bull market in bitcoin. Investors need to accept that there is a lot of hot supply after the halving due to selling by German and US authorities and fears of Mt Gox creditors selling. But after this sell-off is over, we will see demand continue to grow amid limited supply."
Is now the time to buy, sell or hold BTC?
A slight majority of our panel say now is a good time to buy BTC.
To be exact, 55% think bitcoin is a buy at its current price, while 32% believe it's a good time to hold the asset. Just 13% think it's time to sell.
Nicole DeCicco, the CEO at CryptoConsultz, believes it's time to buy BTC.
"Bitcoin is poised to continue an upward trajectory due to several factors historically contributing to upward pressure on its price. The influx of institutional investors entering the market, facilitated by the availability of Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) like bitcoin ETFs, should significantly increase demand for bitcoin."
Kimberly Rosales, CEO of ChainMyne, is also in the buy camp.
"Bitcoin's recent price dip is viewed as temporary, with expectations of a rally to $100,000 driven by strong fundamentals despite factors like Mt. Gox repayments affecting the market. The BTC Fear and Greed Index entering "fear" territory signals a potential buying opportunity for investors and hints at a possible price rebound, supported by optimistic predictions and market dynamics."
Is bitcoin (BTC) overpriced, priced fairly or underpriced?
Not surprisingly, roughly the same percentage of panel members who said BTC was a buy (55%) also say that bitcoin is currently selling at a discount (56%).
The remaining 44% are evenly split between saying bitcoin is either priced fairly (22%) or overpriced (22%).
Founder and CEO of Omnia Markets, Inc., Mitesh Shah, says that BTC is currently underpriced and poised to rally.
"Bitcoin's current price may not fully reflect its long-term value due to factors like increased institutional adoption and growing recognition as a hedge against inflation. On-chain data reveals a significant decrease in bitcoin supply on exchanges, indicating strong investor confidence and a potential supply shortage. Additionally, historical patterns show that bitcoin tends to experience significant price rallies towards the end of the year, further supporting the likelihood of an upward trend in the coming months."
Ajay Shrestha, a professor at Vancouver Island University, believes BTC is currently overpriced and has concerns about its price in the short term.
"The recent dip might signal a bigger crash ahead, making investors worry that the downturn isn't over. Earlier, the market surged quickly after the US approved a bitcoin ETF. Currently, we're in a consolidation phase, likely a pause before another rise. When this peak will happen is uncertain, but I think it could be soon, followed by a long bear market."
Can BTC dethrone the Greenback?
If you're betting that BTC will take over the US dollar as the preferred global currency, we've got some bad news for you, with just a combined 16% saying BTC will replace the US dollar as the primary reserve currency. The overwhelming majority of panelists (75%) see this as unlikely.
Is $60K the new baseline for BTC?
Over the last 100 days, the price of BTC has hovered around the $60,000 mark. About one in five (19%) panel members believe this is the new baseline for BTC. However, a combined 65% disagree with this statement, but even they are split in which direction they see the new baseline going, with 39% saying it will be less than $60K, while 26% say we're yet to see the new floor for BTC's price.
Trying to decide between BTC or ETH ETFs? ¿Por qué no los dos?
If you were tossing up whether to invest in either a BTC or ETH ETF, you needn't worry. Nasdaq recently filed for a combined Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF, which, in theory, allows investors to benefit from owning the two most well-known cryptos while (possibly) evening out some of the volatility.
When asked what impact these combined ETFs will have on the price of BTC, almost the entire panel (a combined 94%) see this as having a positive influence on the future price of bitcoin.
Meet the panel
Nicole DeCicco
Nicole DeCicco
Prediction
$100,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketMiles Paschini
Miles Paschini
Prediction
$85,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handMitesh Shah
Mitesh Shah
Prediction
$110,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketAndreas Brekken
Andreas Brekken
Prediction
$100,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketDaniel Polotsky
Daniel Polotsky
Prediction
$100,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketGracy Chen
Gracy Chen
Prediction
$82,237Buy/sell/hold
Fred Schebesta
Fred Schebesta
Prediction
$180,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketMartin Froehler
Martin Froehler
Prediction
$100,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketSathvik Vishwanath
Sathvik Vishwanath
Prediction
$120,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handJason Lau
Jason Lau
Prediction
$110,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketKimberly Rosales
Kimberly Rosales
Prediction
$65,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketShubham Munde
Shubham Munde
Prediction
$70,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handAlexander Kuptsikevich
Alexander Kuptsikevich
Prediction
$80,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketNick Ranga
Nick Ranga
Prediction
$75,000Buy/sell/hold
SellsellJohn Hawkins
John Hawkins
Prediction
$40,000Buy/sell/hold
SellsellBen Ritchie
Ben Ritchie
Prediction
$100,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketPaul Levy
Paul Levy
Prediction
$65,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handMarkus Kraus
Markus Kraus
Prediction
$73,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_hand31 December 2024 (USD per BTC): $73,000 It looks like Bitcoin will continue to see increasing institutional adoption. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 has already sparked a wave of interest and investment from institutions, a trend that is expected to carry on into 2025. Many financial institutions will likely add Bitcoin to their portfolios. Despite the halving already occurring, its effects could still push prices higher. Additionally, clearer regulations will enhance confidence in the market.
31 December 2025 (USD per BTC): $102,000 By 2025, Bitcoin might experience a significant boost from ongoing institutional interest and the growing acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs. As cryptocurrencies become more integrated into traditional financial systems, Bitcoin will likely be more widely adopted. This increased acceptance will solidify Bitcoin's role as a store of value and an inflation hedge. Furthermore, technological improvements will make Bitcoin more scalable, attracting more users and investors.
31 December 2030 (USD per BTC): $155,000 Looking ahead to 2030, Bitcoin could be viewed as a stable financial asset, with many individuals using it as an inflation hedge. The global adoption of Bitcoin as a store of value is expected to rise. Technological advancements will enhance Bitcoin's security and efficiency. Concerns about inflation and traditional financial systems might drive more people and institutions towards Bitcoin. Bitcoin Price Range in 2024 Highest price (USD per BTC): $77,000 If market conditions are favorable, Bitcoin could reach $77,000. Institutional investments and regulatory advancements will be crucial in driving this growth. The ongoing effects of the halving could still contribute to price increases. Positive market sentiment and mainstream integration will also play significant roles. Lowest price (USD per BTC): $41,000 However, Bitcoin might dip to $41,000 during market corrections. Volatility is always a factor to consider. Regulatory challenges or economic downturns could impact prices. Global economic concerns and shifts in investor confidence might lead to this lower price point.
Julian Hosp
Julian Hosp
Prediction
$100,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handDesmond Marshall
Desmond Marshall
Prediction
$74,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketDiego Apaza
Diego Apaza
Prediction
$85,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handRuslan Lienkha
Ruslan Lienkha
Prediction
$75,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handLee Smales
Lee Smales
Prediction
$50,000Buy/sell/hold
SellsellRonen Cojocaru
Ronen Cojocaru
Prediction
$120,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketJeremy Cheah
Jeremy Cheah
Prediction
$65,000Buy/sell/hold
SellsellPedro Febrero
Pedro Febrero
Prediction
$200,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketDimitrios Salampasis
Dimitrios Salampasis
Prediction
$62,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handJosh Fraser
Josh Fraser
Prediction
$108,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketAjay Shrestha
Ajay Shrestha
Prediction
$50,000Buy/sell/hold
Holdback_handMorty Tollo
Morty Tollo
Prediction
$80,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketDefi-Beats (Johnny Gabrielle)
Defi-Beats (Johnny Gabrielle)
Prediction
$95,000Buy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketSimon Peters
Simon Peters
Prediction
N/ABuy/sell/hold
Buyshopping_basketMethodology
Finder surveyed 32 fintech specialists in late June to early July 2024. Panelists can answer as many or as few questions as they like, meaning the number of responses received varies by question. Thirty-one panelists gave their price prediction for BTC by year-end 2024, while 30 panelists gave predictions for 2025 and 2030. Panelists may own some cryptocurrencies, including BTC. All prices are listed in USD per BTC.
Changes to methodology: In 2021, this research was conducted using the simple mean of all answers supplied to Finder. From 2022, we switched to using the truncated mean, with the top and bottom 10% of responses removed to attain a more consistent result. Any 2021 results quoted in this analysis have also been re-calculated using the truncated mean.
Cryptocurrencies aren't regulated in the UK and there's no protection from the Financial Ombudsman or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Your capital is at risk. Capital gains tax on profits may apply.
Cryptocurrencies are speculative and investing in them involves significant risks - they're highly volatile, vulnerable to hacking and sensitive to secondary activity. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This content shouldn't be interpreted as a recommendation to invest. Before you invest, you should get advice and decide whether the potential return outweighs the risks. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
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