Markets Outlook – CoinDesk
Episode: Anthony Scaramucci Predicts $150K BTC by Year-End: This Bear Market Will End 'When We Least Expect It'
Release Date: February 12, 2026

Overview

This episode features a candid and wide-ranging conversation with Anthony Scaramucci—founder of SkyBridge Capital and SALT—about the state of the crypto markets, the evolution of institutional sentiment, Solana’s resilience post-FTX, the coming wave of crypto regulation, and his predictions for Bitcoin’s price trajectory. Mixing macro perspectives with anecdotal insight, Scaramucci offers a unique view into both the internal mentality of institutional players and the likely future of digital asset adoption.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Institutional Summit Recap & Market Sentiment

Timestamps: 00:51–03:09

• Scaramucci highlights the success of CoinDesk and SALT's closed-door institutional summit.
• He notes a cautious, even pessimistic, mood among institutional attendees, emphasizing most leaders at these firms belong to an older demographic that still prefers gold over crypto.
• “...60 year old people are running most of the money at these big institutions... And they left bitcoin and other assets that we would like and perhaps younger demographies like. And I think that's the big issue right now. That's the tension in the marketplace.” – Anthony Scaramucci [02:22]
• Bearish sentiment is taken as a contrary indicator, suggesting the market may be underinvested, hinting at an eventual turnaround.

2. The Bear Market: Timing and Dynamics

Timestamps: 01:52–05:19

• “We're in a bear market. The question is how long is the bear market going to last?...I predict like most bear markets, it will end when we least expect it.” – Anthony Scaramucci [01:52]
• Scaramucci uses technical indicators (RSI, greed/fear indices) to show the market is historically oversold.
• He reassures listeners that bear markets typically last 12-18 months and estimates “we're more than 2/3 the way through.” [05:14]
• “When people are telling me they're bearish, they're typically talking their book and that means they're underinvested.” – Anthony Scaramucci [03:03]

3. Solana’s Post-FTX Evolution & Resilience

Timestamps: 03:09–07:56

• Scaramucci defends Solana even against skepticism from other major investors like Kevin O’Leary, citing its ability to withstand the FTX crisis.
• He discusses buying Solana on the way down, holding firm at ultra-low prices, and lauds the network’s technical strengths.
• “Solana can handle a lot of activity and it's cheap, it's easy to use, developers find it user friendly.” – Anthony Scaramucci [06:33]
• The meme coin phenomenon (notably "Trump coins") paradoxically strengthened Solana’s standing by stress-testing its throughput and speed.
• “If you're a technologist... you're saying, wow, Solana can handle a lot of activity and it's cheap, it's easy to use.” – Anthony Scaramucci [06:37]

4. The Impact of Meme Coins and Broader Political/Economic Landscape

Timestamps: 04:14–07:56

• Scaramucci suggests meme coins drained liquidity from more serious crypto ventures but also showcased the capacity of blockchains like Solana.
• He reminisces about the move in settlement speeds, contrasting old finance (T+5) with today’s rapid blockchain settlement.

5. Crypto Regulation – Progress, Politics, & Predictions

Timestamps: 07:56–13:29

• Scaramucci is optimistic about regulatory progress, predicting that US legislation will likely pass (possibly by Memorial Day), though he stresses it won’t meet crypto idealists’ full wish list.
• “Progress is more important than perfection. In fact, the enemy of progress is perfection.” – Anthony Scaramucci [09:24]
• He highlights the sausage-making nature of US politics and legislative compromise, warning the yield debate will be a sticking point for banks.
• Identifies the drivers: mutual interest among the White House, industry, banks, and Congress to reach a deal, but expects heavy influence from legacy players like the American Banking Association.
• “You’re the taxicab industry and Uber’s coming into town, so you can either fix what’s going wrong… or Uber’s going to eat your lunch.” [10:57]
• Notes political realities may accelerate legislation before the midterms—Republicans favor crypto more than Democrats.

6. Fair Shake PAC, Political Power, and the Midterms

Timestamps: 13:03–14:52

• Scaramucci commends Fair Shake, a crypto-focused political PAC, for its fundraising and electoral impact.
• Points to their role in ousting incumbents like Sherrod Brown, forcing establishment politicians to reconsider opposing crypto interests.
• “We are, unfortunately, we're the David in this game… They represent Goliath.” [13:35]
• Connects Fair Shake’s influence to legislative momentum in Congress: “I said, hey, crypto turned this election. Help Donald Trump become president, help Republicans win the House and Senate.” [14:09]

7. Bitcoin Price Prediction and Market Catalysts

Timestamps: 14:52–16:33

• Scaramucci is pressed for his end-of-year Bitcoin price target.
• “Well, I’m going to stick to the 150 [thousand]. I’m going to stick to that.” – Anthony Scaramucci [16:03]
• He believes the passage of legislation could unlock massive institutional flows: “Once that legislation does pass, it's going to open a floodgate of activity in the money center banks in the United States. And remember, that's the real circulatory system for global capitalism.” [16:13]
• Acknowledges past prediction missteps and market unpredictability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Institutional Reluctance:
  “60 year old people are running most of the money at these big institutions...And they left bitcoin...And I think that's the big issue right now.” – Anthony Scaramucci [02:22]
• On Timing the Market:
  “I predict like most bear markets, it will end when we least expect it.” – Anthony Scaramucci [01:56]
• On Solana’s Strengths:
  “Solana can handle a lot of activity and it's cheap, it's easy to use, developers find it user friendly.” – Anthony Scaramucci [06:33]
• On Regulatory Compromise:
  “Progress is more important than perfection. In fact, the enemy of progress is perfection.” – Anthony Scaramucci [09:24]
• On Crypto vs. Traditional Finance:
  “You’re the taxicab industry and Uber’s coming into town, so you can either fix what’s going wrong in the taxi cab industry or Uber’s going to eat your lunch.” – Anthony Scaramucci [10:57]
• On Bitcoin’s Price Outlook:
  “I'm going to stick to the 150 [thousand]. Yeah. But I think this thing will grind higher. And I think once that legislation does pass, it's going to open a floodgate of activity...” – Anthony Scaramucci [16:03]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:51–01:29 — Institutional Summit & Industry Collaboration
• 01:52–03:09 — Bear Market Outlook and Demographic Analysis
• 04:14–07:56 — Solana’s Evolution, Meme Coin Impact, and Technology
• 07:56–10:20 — Regulatory Landscape & Congressional Dynamics
• 13:29–14:52 — Fair Shake PAC and Political Influence
• 14:52–16:33 — Price Predictions and Future Catalysts

Conclusion

This episode delivers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing the crypto markets in 2026, blending market analysis and political strategy with Anthony Scaramucci’s trademark wit and candor. His outlook remains bullish—particularly for Bitcoin, which he sees surging beyond $150,000 as regulation brings floodgates of institutional investment—though he remains realistic about the messy compromises necessary for regulatory progress. The discussion offers valuable perspective for crypto enthusiasts and market-watchers as the next major chapter in the industry unfolds.