BitMine co-founder Tom Lee has identified four major potential catalysts that could drive the next major upswing in the cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin possibly returning to the $100,000 level. Lee, whose firm holds one of the largest Ethereum (ETH) positions globally, shared his insights in a recent interview on CNBC.
CLARITY Act could boost investor confidence
The first major factor Lee mentioned is the anticipated approval of the CLARITY Act, a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. Lee projects that the legislation could be enacted in September 2026. He suggests that this development would significantly improve investor trust and encourage wider adoption of digital assets. According to Lee, the introduction of clear, comprehensive regulation could also attract substantial capital inflows into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Mini dictionary: CLARITY Act, a proposed US legislative bill aiming to provide clearer regulatory guidelines and definitions for digital assets and the cryptocurrency industry.
Return of sidelined capital
Lee identifies the second catalyst as the movement of sidelined short positions and idle cash back into the crypto market. He argues that increased liquidity from these sources could support a new rally. In support of this forecast, Lee pointed to the recent US Treasury decision to raise bond buybacks, which has already boosted liquidity in riskier asset classes. Bitcoin’s price rose to $80,000 following this policy shift.
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AAPLAsian capital and institutional investment
A third key driver, according to Lee, could be the reallocation of investment funds from Asia into Bitcoin and the broader crypto sector. He asserts that such inflows would further increase market liquidity and support higher price levels, including a potential push for Bitcoin to reach $100,000.
Lee also expects institutional buying to intensify later this year, as global asset managers and financial firms seek to bolster their quarterly performance. He notes that institutions have a history of moving markets, referencing elevated corporate crypto purchases in 2025. Lee anticipates a similar trend to re-emerge by the end of 2026, focusing on both Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Lee notes several factors could combine to fuel a significant crypto rally, including new regulations, improved liquidity conditions, and institutional participation.
Ethereum’s price potential with Bitcoin rally
Lee says that if Bitcoin succeeds in climbing to $150,000, Ethereum could potentially surpass $6,000. He maintains that these projections depend on the successful realization of the outlined catalysts. The precise timing for these targets, particularly whether they will be met in 2026, remains uncertain.
BitMine, the company Lee co-founded, is known for its bullish stance on Ethereum and reportedly holds approximately 4.8% of all ETH in circulation.
| Asset | Potential Target | Condition for Target |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $100,000 | Four catalysts realized |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $150,000 | Bullish scenario with all drivers |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $6,000 | Bitcoin reaches $150,000 |
If global institutions step up their buying under quarterly performance pressure, combined with regulatory clarity and new capital infusion, a new phase in the crypto market could unfold.
