Standard Chartered has raised its Ethereum price forecast for 2025 from $4,000 to a striking $7,500, citing increased institutional demand alongside stablecoin growth and recent network upgrades. This forecast raises questions about whether the peak could actually be much higher, given the current price of Ethereum at $4,692, just 4% below its all-time high from November 2021.
Institutional interest is reshaping the buying landscape. โThis buying pressure looks different this timeโmore institutional, less retail speculation,โ sources confirm. Standard Chartered highlights the following key factors supporting their prediction:
Institutional Accumulation: Since June 2025, companies holding Ethereum ETFs have purchased 3.8% of all Ethereum in circulation, significantly exceeding Bitcoin accumulation rates during the 2024 election cycle.
Stablecoin Market Growth: The bank expects the stablecoin market cap to rise to $2 trillion by 2028, which would increase demand for Ethereum. Presently, stablecoins account for 40% of all blockchain fees, with over half issued on Ethereum.
Whale Activity and Institutional Confidence: Despite major sales from entities like the Ethereum Foundation, which sold $12.7 million worth, institutional inflows into spot Ethereum ETFs remain strong.
"$7,500 ETH by 2025 sounds bold, but with stablecoin growth and institutional demand, itโs not far-fetched," noted a frequent commenter.
The online community shows mixed reactions. Commenters express skepticism over the forecast as well as optimism regarding Ethereum's potential. Key themes observed include:
Skepticism Over Predictions: Some commenters argue that financial institutions often underestimate projections, saying, "Their models are based on legacy finance."
Price Expectations: Enthusiasts voice higher ambitions, with one saying, "$12K is the goal!" Technical analyses also suggest potential targets around $7,400 are achievable.
Demand versus Activity: Questions emerge regarding the high inflow into Ethereum against its relatively low on-chain transaction counts. One user pointed out that despite significant institutional demand, daily transactions seem unchanged from prior levels, questioning the sustainability of current price hikes.
๐บ Institutional entities bought 3.8% of all Ethereum in circulation
๐ฐ Stablecoin market projected to grow to $2 trillion by 2028
โ ๏ธ "Their guess is no better than ours," stated a skeptical commenter
๐ "Once ETH market cap goes up to about $1 trillion, will we see an insane rise in daily transaction count?"
As 2025 unfolds, the market dynamics will continue to evolve. Will Standard Chartered's prediction count as a realistic target, or will it be conservative? The increasing institutional interest makes many wonder just how high Ethereum can soar.