Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) dropped a bold prediction at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos: Bitcoin might be shedding its historic four-year cycle and stepping into a “super cycle” as early as 2026. In a January 23 interview with CNBC's Squawk Box, he expressed strong optimism about Bitcoin's price action this year, attributing the expected shift to a friendlier regulatory climate and deepening institutional involvement.
Long-term holder, not a trader
Zhao laid out his personal approach first. He flatly stated he isn't a trader — he tried short-term bets years ago and lost money. Since then he switched to a pure HODL strategy, holding only Bitcoin and BNB. “I don't trade, I just hold,” he said, adding that he's a builder, not a trader. That stance has become a defining mark of his public persona.
2026 strong hunch: super cycle, not a slogan
When asked about price forecasts, Zhao admitted short-term moves are nearly impossible to predict. But zooming out to a one-year window gave him a “strong hunch.” He sees 2026 as a year when Bitcoin could experience a structural rally, not just another post-halving pump. The old pattern — a sharp rise after halving then a deep correction — might be broken.
Two forces are driving the change: the U.S. government has turned unusually supportive toward crypto, with policy direction becoming clearer, and other nations are following suit. Global regulation has moved from containment to embrace. Zhao argues that these factors, paired with sustained institutional buying, could stretch Bitcoin's uptrend longer and smoother, without the typical crash after a peak.
He emphasized that the market logic has shifted. In the past, the block reward halving dictated the rhythm. Now institutional adoption, macro conditions, and policy signals are the new drivers. If the capital environment keeps improving, a “super cycle” is not just a buzzword but a structural transition already underway.
Zhao's view aligns with several analysts' recent takes. Bitcoin ETF inflows remain strong, sovereign entities are adding exposure, and U.S. political figures are turning pro-crypto. All point to one conclusion: crypto assets are integrating into mainstream finance. Whether 2026 delivers Zhao's super cycle remains to be seen, but his Davos remarks have already raised the bar on market expectations.