Bitcoin Price Forecast: BTC Maintains $95K as Belgian Bank Joins Crypto, Iran’s $7.8B Surge, Quantum Risk Discussion

Bitcoin (BTC) remains stable around $95,000, with traders assessing new factors influencing its future. Belgium’s KBC Bank has initiated regulated cryptocurrency trading, Iran’s crypto ecosystem soared to over $7.8 billion amid turmoil, and a Jefferies strategist has raised alarms about potential quantum computing risks. Collectively, these events underscore Bitcoin’s dual function as both a growth asset and a hedge, while technical analysis suggests a possible breakout is on the horizon.

KBC Bank Launches Crypto Trading

KBC Bank in Belgium is set to enable customers to trade Bitcoin and Ether starting February 16 via its Bolero platform. This initiative aligns with the full implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which became effective in January 2026. KBC claims to be the first Belgian bank to provide direct crypto trading within its own custodial framework, offering retail investors a regulated and secure entry point.

LATEST: KBC Bank will commence trading Bitcoin and Ethereum on Feb. 16 through its Bolero platform, becoming Belgium’s inaugural bank to provide crypto within a regulated environment. pic.twitter.com/EgmCiR9cWF

— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 16, 2026

While no Belgian MiCA licenses have yet appeared on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register, KBC asserts it has adhered to MiCA regulations and has informed the National Bank of Belgium. This launch highlights the increasing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin in Europe, despite ongoing regulatory uncertainties.

Iran’s $7.8B Crypto Growth

Iran’s cryptocurrency sector grew to $7.78 billion in 2025, with activity peaking during widespread protests and economic instability. As the rial plummeted and internet blackouts became prevalent, citizens turned to Bitcoin as a means of preserving value and financial support. Daily withdrawals from exchanges surged, emphasizing crypto’s role in circumventing traditional banking limitations.

ICYMI: Iran experiences a $7.8B increase in crypto activity amid turmoil, inflation, and internet outages.
Sanctions are driving both individual users and state-linked entities towards cryptocurrency. pic.twitter.com/yocdxQTM4j

— The Crypto Times (@CryptoTimes_io) January 16, 2026

Data from Chainalysis reveals that over half of the inflows in late 2025 were connected to addresses related to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), highlighting crypto’s dual usage by both the public and government-associated groups. Despite market fluctuations, Bitcoin’s demand in Iran demonstrates its value as a protective asset during periods of uncertainty.

Debate Over Quantum Risks

Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood recently removed Bitcoin from his model portfolio, citing worries that advancements in quantum computing could potentially jeopardize cryptographic defenses. He substituted a 10% Bitcoin allocation with physical gold and mining stocks.

Jefferies’ Greed & Fear eliminates Bitcoin allocation due to quantum computing concerns, reallocating to gold and silver.
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/buN5cB6jvP#Bitcoin #Jefferies #Gold #Silver pic.twitter.com/qC8eY4uXxd

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 16, 2026

Bitcoin developers contest this viewpoint, claiming that quantum threats are still decades away. Blockstream CEO Adam Back estimates that it could take 20–40 years before such technology poses significant dangers, allowing plenty of time to transition to quantum-resistant cryptography.

While Wood’s comments may affect sentiment in the short term, ongoing research could bolster Bitcoin’s durability in the future.

Could Bitcoin Surpass $100K? BTC Chart Indicates Bullish Flag and EMA Support Near $95K

The Bitcoin price outlook remains neutral as BTC trades around $95,188, maintaining its position above the $95,150 support level. The 4-hour chart reveals a clearly ascending pattern with higher lows and a potential bullish flag formation just beneath the $97,700 resistance. A breakout above this threshold could pave the way towards $99,000 and the psychological barrier of $100,500.

Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

BTC is situated above short-, medium-, and long-term EMAs, all trending upwards, indicating sustained momentum. RSI values at 57.94 and 53.56 are neutral yet lean bullish, providing space for further continuation. Candlestick patterns reinforce this perspective, with a recent bullish engulfing pattern near $93,000 and small-bodied candles indicating consolidation before another upward movement.

The candlestick activity supports this interpretation. Recent formations consist of a bullish engulfing pattern near the $93,000 mark and a series of small-bodied candles, potentially indicating a pause before continuation. If the price holds above $95,150 and breaks through $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders might consider long positions aiming for $99,000 and $100,500, with stop-losses set below $93,000.

If the price sustains above $95,150 and breaches $97,700 with volume confirmation, traders may eye long setups targeting $99,000–$100,500, with stops below $93,000. With sentiment stabilizing and adoption increasing, Bitcoin appears ready for a new bullish phase.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Phase of BTC on Solana?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is ushering in a new era for the Bitcoin ecosystem. While BTC continues to be the benchmark for security, Bitcoin Hyper introduces the speed it has always needed: Solana-level performance. The outcome: rapid, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized applications, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption progresses. The momentum is already substantial. The presale has exceeded $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 prior to the next increase.

As Bitcoin engagement increases and the demand for efficient BTC-based applications grows, Bitcoin Hyper distinguishes itself as the link connecting two of the largest ecosystems in crypto. If Bitcoin laid the groundwork, Bitcoin Hyper could reinvigorate it with speed, flexibility, and excitement.

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