Citi Names Circle and Bullish as Top Crypto Stock Picks for 2026

TLDR

• Citi maintains Buy ratings on Circle Internet Financial and Bullish Group as top crypto stock picks
• Circle has a $243 price target; its USDC stablecoin is seen as a key growth driver
• Bullish’s price target was lowered slightly to $65 from $67 due to updated Bitcoin forecasts
• Bullish reported a 70% increase in spot trading volumes in February vs. January
• Legislative uncertainty around the CLARITY Act continues but has not changed Citi’s outlook

Citi analysts have named Circle Internet Financial and Bullish Group as their top two crypto stocks to own right now, even as lawmakers continue to debate digital asset regulation in Washington.

The bank’s picks come despite price volatility in Bitcoin and a stalled legislative process around the CLARITY Act, which deals with stablecoin rules and broader crypto oversight.

Circle holds the top spot on Citi’s list. The bank rates the stock a Buy with a price target of $243, which is roughly 97% above where shares are currently trading.

Circle Internet Group, CRCL

Circle is best known for issuing the USDC stablecoin. Citi sees growing monetization opportunities tied to USDC, especially as artificial intelligence tools begin to handle payments and financial transactions.

The bank views Circle as a potential default settlement rail for AI-driven commerce. Its Arc Blockchain is currently in testnet, with a possible mainnet launch later in 2026.

Citi’s $243 target assumes around $200 billion in payments and transfer volumes building over the next five years. Other analysts agree on Circle’s prospects, with Clear Street upgrading the stock to Buy and Bernstein reiterating an Outperform rating.

Bullish Gains Ground With Institutional Clients

Citi’s second pick is Bullish Group, a crypto exchange that focuses on institutional customers rather than retail traders.

Bullish, BLSH

Bullish shares have gained around 55% since the company’s last earnings report, driven by strong trading volumes in January and February.

Citi did lower its price target on Bullish slightly, from $67 to $65. The adjustment reflects updated Bitcoin price forecasts rather than any change in the company’s business outlook.

Bullish received its New York BitLicense in September 2025, which has helped it deepen its presence with U.S. institutional clients. The company also launched options trading in late 2025.

February spot trading volumes at Bullish were up 70% compared to January, which Citi flagged as a positive sign for continued growth.

Despite the good trading numbers, Bullish shares are down about 2% so far this year, trading around $38.54.

Regulatory Uncertainty Lingers

The CLARITY Act, which would set rules for stablecoins, remains in debate. A markup could come by late March, with a possible vote targeted for April or May.

Citi analysts expect some compromise on the bill’s more contested points, including stablecoin rewards. The uncertainty has not caused the bank to change its stance on either stock.

Rosenblatt and JPMorgan both lowered their price targets on Bullish, though Rosenblatt and Canaccord Genuity kept Buy ratings in place.

Bullish spot trading volumes rose 70% in February compared to January, the most recent data point the company has reported publicly.

The post Citi Names Circle and Bullish as Top Crypto Stock Picks for 2026 appeared first on CoinCentral.