Bitcoin Set to Shatter Four-Year Cycle with 2026 Super-Cycle

Bitcoin could break its famous four-year boom-and-bust pattern forever. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao just told the world that a massive super-cycle is coming in 2026, driven by new pro-crypto rules in the United States. The days of sharp crashes after every halving may soon be history.

Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box on January 23, 2026, and delivered a clear message. He believes Bitcoin will enter a super-cycle next year that breaks the old four-year rhythm.

“I’m not good at short-term predictions,” CZ said with a smile, “but long term, yes, I think we’re heading into a super-cycle, especially in 2026.” He pointed to the new Trump administration and its strong support for digital assets as the main driver.

CZ served 4 months in prison in 2024 after pleading guilty to money-laundering violations at Binance. Since his release, he has stayed largely quiet about price forecasts. This interview marks one of his strongest public statements since stepping down as CEO.

Why the Old Four-Year Cycle Might Die

Bitcoin has followed a clear pattern since 2009.

• Price pumps hard in the year after each halving
• Peak comes 12-18 months later
• Deep bear market follows for 2-3 years

The halvings in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 all triggered this cycle. Many traders still bet on the same script for the current run.

CZ and a growing number of analysts now say friendly U.S. policies can end that loop. A strategic Bitcoin reserve, clearer rules from the SEC, and possible spot ETF options trading could bring in billions of dollars from institutions that never touched crypto before.

Current Price Action Shows the Battle

As of January 25, 2026, Bitcoin trades around $90,866.
The market watches the $88,000 zone like hawks.

• Hold above $88,000 and bulls stay in full control
• Drop below and a quick test of $82,000-$84,000 becomes likely

Daily trading volume stays strong above $45 billion, a healthy sign during weekend lulls. Exchange balances continue to fall as big players move coins to cold storage, a classic pattern before major breakouts.

Trump Policies Already Moving Markets

President Trump signed an executive order on his first day back in office to create a Bitcoin and crypto task force. Talks about a national Bitcoin stockpile sent prices from $72,000 in November 2025 to the current $90,000+ range in less than 90 days.

Wall Street giants keep piling in. BlackRock and Fidelity now hold more than 1.2 million BTC combined through their spot ETFs. Analysts expect approval for options trading on these ETFs by summer 2026, a move that could open the floodgates for even more cash.

What a Super-Cycle Would Look Like

Many long-time traders find the idea hard to accept. Yet on-chain data already shows shifts. The amount of Bitcoin sitting on exchanges hit a six-year low this month. Long-term holders now control over 70% of the supply, the highest share ever recorded.

CZ himself practices what he preaches. He told CNBC he still holds almost all the Bitcoin he ever owned and has no plans to sell. “I don’t trade,” he said. “I just hold.”

The super-cycle idea gains more fans every week. Fund managers who once laughed at Bitcoin now ask how much to allocate for the next decade instead of the next quarter.

Bitcoin stands at a crossroads. One path follows the familiar roller-coaster ride millions have ridden since 2011. The other path, backed by new laws, deep institutional money, and nation-state buying, could turn the orange coin into a true long-term store of value.

Only time will tell which future wins. Yet for the first time in Bitcoin’s history, the old four-year script faces a real challenge from forces far bigger than any halving.