Crypto token ether could rise five-fold by end-2026, StanChart says

FILE PHOTO: Representation of Ethereum, with its native cryptocurrency ether, is seen in this illustration taken November 29, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

LONDON (Reuters) - Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, may rise more than five-fold in value by the end of 2026, according to global bank Standard Chartered, its latest prediction of rocketing crypto prices.

Ether may hit $8,000 over the next two years as it becomes more widely used in blockchain-based covenants known as "smart contracts," as well as gaming and the "tokenisation" of traditional assets, StanChart Head of FX Research, West, Geoff Kendrick wrote.