US dollar goes 'no-bid' — 5 things to know in Bitcoin this week
Bitcoin (BTC) is eyeing new April highs as macro instability suddenly delivers a tailwind for BTC price performance.Bitcoin is on the way up, nearing $88,000, but few market participants are willing to trust the strength of snap price moves.A new macro week dawns in the shadow of the US trade war, with Federal Reserve speakers lining up to take to the stage.Gold is shattering all-time highs again, but this time Bitcoin is starting to react.US dollar weakness exhibits historic traits as three-year lows spark bullish predictions for Bitcoin and commodities.The newest BTC hodlers are already profiting from the latest move, but speculators are waiting for a reclaimation of $91,000.BTC price spike met with skepticismBitcoin is starting the week off right with a 3% rise on the back of fresh macroeconomic turmoil amid the US-China trade war.BTC/USD reached $87,705 after the April 20 weekly close, data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView shows, its highest in nearly three weeks.BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewReacting, however, traders have been cautious, highlighting the unreliable nature of volatile moves that begin during non-TradFi trading hours on weekends.“Nice breakout, but it’s on low volume,” trading resource Stockmoney Lizards wrote in part of a response on X. “WIll definitely need confirmation. In any case, you shouldn’t be too euphoric yet.”Never like to trust a Sunday pump – lots of false breakouts here by the looks of it. Lets see what next week brings pic.twitter.com/cVE1j1Gh63— Honeybadger (@HoneybadgerC) April 21, 2025Fellow trading account IncomeSharks shared similar views, saying that BTC price strength must continue in the face of weak equities.“Nice to see the downtrend breakout but the timing is important,” it said.“Sunday is not a day to celebrate a low volume pump while stock markets are closed. If you want to see a bullish moves lets see stocks open red tomorrow and keep this candle green. Then we can have fun.”BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: IncomeSharks/XCrypto trader, analyst and entrepreneur Michaël van de Poppe continued the lukewarm reaction to the upside on both Bitcoin and gold, predicting that they “probably will give it back.”“Needs to get above $88,804 to break the series of lower highs and lower lows,” trader, analyst and podcast host Scott Melker, known as the “Wolf of All Streets,” added. “Is it time?”Fed policy in spotlight as officials speakThe coming days will see the Federal Reserve take the spotlight as senior officials comment on the current macroeconomic landscape.A total of eight Federal Reserve presidents will shed fresh light on what is an increasingly contentious status quo for the US, with the Fed at odds with demands from President Donald Trump.Last week, Trump even called for Fed Chair Jerome Powell to be fired, a move that sparked concerns over US economic stability.Powell has repeatedly come out hawkish on financial policy, hinting at being in no rush to lower interest rates as Trump’s trade war fuels inflation concerns.The latest data from CME Group’s FedWatch Tool reflects this, with traders seeing a rate cut likely only at the Fed’s June meeting.Fed target rate probabilities for June FOMC meeting. Source: CME GroupWith little by way of new macro data due for release, however, markets will continue to focus on the trade war itself, along with the volatility it often creates.The start of the week has been no exception so far; China issuing warnings over collaboration with the US to isolate it immediately sent stock futures tumbling while gold soared to new all-time highs.Bitcoin, in a break with recent tradition, managed to copy gold’s optimism instead of following equities lower.“Gold has hit its 55th all-time high in 12 months and Bitcoin is officially joining the run, now above $87,000,” trading resource The Kobeissi Letter responded in part of an X post on the topic. “The narrative in both Gold and Bitcoin is aligning for the first time in years: Gold and Bitcoin are telling us that a weaker US Dollar and more uncertainty are on the way.”Gold nears record $3,400 on trade war fearsGold remains the standout bullish story for 2025.Amid the uncertainty wrought by the trade war and its potential long-term impact on inflation and global assets, XAU/USD has exploded nearly 30% year-to-date.The pair is currently circling a record $3,400 per ounce, and while some have warned that a “blow-off top” is due, momentum refuses to slow down.XAU/USD 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewKobeissi suggested that Trump’s latest trade-war post on social media, in the form of a “non-tariff cheating” sheet, helped reignite gold’s relentless march higher.“President Trump’s ‘non-tariff cheating’ list is arguably one of the best things to happen to gold all year,” it argued.“Gold knows what’s coming next.”Kobeissi revealed that gold had, in fact, outperformed the S&P 500 since the COVID-19 cross-market crash in March 2020.For Bitcoin, however, change appears to be afoot. As Cointelegraph reported, BTC/USD has finally begun to mimic gold’s reaction to macro uncertainty after spending months in a downtrend.As that downtrend is slowly left behind, talk is turning to historical precedent. In the past, Bitcoin breakouts have lagged gold by around three months.“After futures opened it didn’t take long for $BTC and $GOLD to move up quickly as equities moved down,” trader Daan Crypto Trades told X followers. “Pretty interesting move which is now compounding on the relative strength BTC has already been showing for weeks.”BTC/USD vs. XAU/USD 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewDollar strength plumbs new 3-year lowsAdding to the mix is fresh US dollar weakness, something that hedge fund creator Andreas Steno Larsen described as a “good early sign for Bitcoin.”“We ain’t seen nothing yet, if this continues (and if Powell is laid off),” he argued on X alongside a chart of BTC versus USD returns. Bitcoin vs. USD returns. Source: Andreas Steno/XThe US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks greenback strength against a basket of major US trading partner currencies, was down another 1.3% on April 21 at the time of writing. This, in turn, brought the year-to-date downside to nearly 10%.Now at its lowest levels since March 2022, DXY is being heralded as the powder keg to spark a giant bull run in both Bitcoin and commodities.“The US Dollar has gone ‘no bid,’ teetering on a historic 14-yr uptrend breakdown from 2011,” trading resource Rock Bottom Entries told X followers. “Forget 2016 & 2020—this will ignite a 2000s-style commodity supercycle.”US Dollar Index (DXY) 1-month chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBitcoin traditionally outperforms to the upside during periods of rapid DXY suppression, an inverse correlation that has been lacking in recent times.“Contrary to what you hear on social media, Bitcoin has been in lockstep with DXY for a couple of years,” analyst Joe Dean thus commented on the phenomenon. “DXY overshot to the upside, then the downside, and will likely find its way back to the mean. $BTC will likely follow.”US dollar index (DXY) vs. BTC/USD chart. Source: Joe Dean/XBitcoin newbies back in the blackShort-term BTC price moves are already making a tangible difference to certain Bitcoin investor cohorts.Related: Bitcoin prepares for launch from $85K, BNB, HYPE, TAO and RNDR could followNew research from onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant reveals that even a tap of $87,000 has placed the most recent set of buyers in the black, with an average 3.7% profit.“This is a short-term bullish signal, showing renewed confidence and reduced panic risk among the newest market entrants,” CryptoQuant contributor Crazzyblockk wrote in one of its “Quicktake” blog posts.The move comes in contrast to the large short-term holder (STH) cohort, comprised of buyers up to six months old, which has an aggregate cost basis of $91,000.As Cointelegraph reported, STH cost bases can act as both support and resistance for extended periods as speculative hodlers react to sudden price swings.“Until BTC closes above the $91K threshold, Short-Term Holders remain in loss. This may sustain latent sell pressure, especially if price momentum weakens — reinforcing the importance of a decisive breakout above STH realized price to neutralize this overhang,” CryptoQuant added.Bitcoin STH profitability (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuantThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Altcoin unit bias 'absolutely destroying' crypto newbies — Samson Mow
Jan3 CEO Samson Mow says that Bitcoin dominance hasn’t yet exhausted its upside trajectory after analyzing how altcoin prices would stack up against Bitcoin if all were on equal terms of total supply.His forecast for Bitcoin (BTC) Dominance to rise further comes as the ratio has already exceeded the levels many crypto analysts expected it would reach by late 2024.“Unit bias is absolutely destroying the uninitiated,” Jan3 CEO Samson Mow said in an April 19 X post. Mow suggested that unit bias — a psychological method in behavioral economics that suggests that individuals usually like to own a complete unit or stock regardless of its price and size — often causes less experienced investors to assume cheaper whole altcoins are better value than owning part of a Bitcoin.Mow questions altcoin valuations on level playing field“You can buy one twenty-one millionth of the BTC supply for ~$85,000,” Mow said. He asked, “What happens if you remove unit bias from alts to calculate the equivalent of 1/21 million?”He pointed out that Ether (ETH) would be priced at $9,200, XRP (XRP) would be priced at $5,800, and Solana (SOL) would be priced at $3,400 — representing increases of approximately 278,746%, 470%, and 2,328%, respectively, from their prices at the time of publication, according to CoinMarketCap data.“No way these alts are worth that much,” Mow said. Source: Samson MowSunny Po, an anonymous Bitcoin proponent, said on Jan. 12 that “Unit bias is a core foundational framework of the normie mind. ‘Cheaper better.’”Mow said that “most” altcoins take advantage of unit bias by implementing a very high total supply so market participants “can’t figure out what they’re buying.”Related: XRP: Why it’s outperforming altcoins — and what comes nextBased on his calculations, Mow said Bitcoin dominance is going “so much higher.” Bitcoin dominance — a metric that reflects Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market capitalization — is often used by traders to gauge when Bitcoin might be nearing a price peak. Historically, when Bitcoin Dominance declines, it often signals the start of altcoin season, with capital flowing from Bitcoin into altcoins to find higher returns.Bitcoin Dominance is up 9.11% over the past six months. Source: TradingViewAt the time of publication, Bitcoin Dominance is sitting at 63.66%, as per TradingView data.Several crypto analysts were forecasting Bitcoin Dominance to top out at 60% in late 2024 before the beginning of an altcoin season. In August 2024, Into The Cryptoverse founder Benjamin Cowen said “I don’t think it is going back up to 70%, my target for Bitcoin dominance has been 60%.”Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19
'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' author calls for $1 million BTC by 2035
Financial educator, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and investor Robert Kiyosaki recently forecasted a $1 million Bitcoin (BTC) price by 2035 as the US dollar continues to lose value to inflationary monetary policies.”I strongly believe, by 2035, that one Bitcoin will be over $ 1 million, Gold will be $30,000, and silver $3,000 a coin,” Kiyosaki wrote in an April 18 X post.Kiyosaki, a self-described gold bug, has long argued that bearer assets like gold, silver, and more recently Bitcoin, are critical hedges against inflation and key to long-term generational wealth accumulation through economic cycles.United States M2 money supply 1959-2025. Source: TradingView”In 2025, credit card debt is at all-time highs, US debt is at all-time highs, unemployment is rising, 401k’s are losing, and pensions are being stolen. The USA may be heading for a greater depression,” Kiyosaki warned.Kiyosaki, like many other sound money advocates, has continually warned of an impending financial crash brought on by expansionist monetary policies and fiscal irresponsibility. Bitcoin maximalists argue that loose monetary policy will drive the price of Bitcoin to seven-figures.Related: Bitcoin could hit $1M if US buys 1M BTC — Bitcoin Policy InstituteAnalysts eye $1 million BTC in the 2030sIn May 2024, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey forecasted that the price of a single BTC would be $1 million by 2030 and could appreciate further.Trader and investor Michaël van de Poppe told Cointelegraph, in November 2024, that Bitcoin could go to $1 million. However, the price appreciation would come with hyperinflation and a broader economic collapse, the trader said.Blockstream CEO Adam Back said the price of Bitcoin could rise to $1 million per coin if the Trump administration established a Bitcoin strategic reserve for the United States and started buying Bitcoin on the open market.On Dec. 10, Eric Trump delivered the keynote speech at the Bitcoin MENA event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and predicted that Bitcoin would hit $1 million due to its scarcity.More recently, in February 2025, Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood said that Bitcoin could hit $1.5 million by 2030 if demand for the digital asset continues to grow.Magazine: TradFi fans ignored Lyn Alden’s BTC tip — Now she says it’ll hit 7 figures: X Hall of Flame
Crypto, DeFi may widen wealth gap, destabilize finance: BIS report
The growing adoption of cryptocurrencies may pose risks to the traditional financial system and exacerbate wealth inequality, according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).In an April 15 report, the BIS warned that the number of investors and amount of capital in crypto and decentralized finance (DeFi) have “reached a critical mass,” with investor protection becoming a “significant concern for regulators.”The size of the crypto market signals that authorities should be worried about the “stability of crypto over and above the role it may have for TradFi and the real economy,” the report states, highlighting the role of stablecoins, which the BIS said have “become the means through which participants transfer value within crypto.”BIS report on crypto and DeFi’s functions and financial stability implications. Source: BISThe report calls for targeted stablecoin regulation on stability and reserve asset requirements that will guarantee the redemption of stablecoins for US dollars during “stressed market conditions.”Related: Spar supermarket in Switzerland starts accepting Bitcoin paymentsThe report comes two weeks after the US House Financial Services Committee passed the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy, or STABLE Act, with a 32–17 vote on April 2.Source: Financial Services GOPThe STABLE Act aims to create a clear regulatory framework for dollar-denominated payment stablecoins, emphasizing transparency and consumer protection.On March 13, the GENIUS Act, short for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins, passed the Senate Banking Committee by a vote of 18–6. The act aims to establish collateralization guidelines and require full compliance with Anti-Money Laundering laws from stablecoin issuers.Related: $400M Web3 investment fund ABCDE halts new investments, fundraisingCrypto may exacerbate wealth gapThe BIS also raised concerns about how crypto markets may worsen income inequality by enabling larger investors to capitalize on the emotions of less sophisticated retail participants, as seen during the FTX collapse in 2022.Whale vs retail activity after FTX collapse. Source: BIS“As prices tumbled in 2022, users actually traded more,” the BIS report noted. “Most disturbingly, large bitcoin holders (“whales”) were selling as ordinary retail investors (“krill”) were buying.” It added:“This implies that the crypto market, which is often presented as an opportunity for inclusive growth and financial stability, can be a means for redistributing wealth from the poorer to the wealthier.”The report concludes that DeFi and TradFi have similar underlying economic drivers, but DeFi’s “distinctive features,” like “smart contract and composability,” present new challenges that need proactive regulatory interventions to “safeguard financial stability, while fostering innovation.”Magazine: Uni students crypto ‘grooming’ scandal, 67K scammed by fake women: Asia Express
MoonPay CEO calls on Congress to keep state authority over stablecoins
Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO of cryptocurrency payment firm MoonPay, is calling on US lawmakers to leave a path open to state-level regulators when passing legislation on stablecoins.In an April 18 X post, Soto-Wright said he wanted Congress to “keep state-regulated issuers in the game” when it comes to stablecoin regulation, referencing efforts in the House of Representatives and Senate to create a federal regulatory framework. Lawmakers are considering whether to pass the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins, or GENIUS Act, in the Senate and the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy, or STABLE Act, in the House.“While the cryptocurrency industry has called for federal legislation for years, it has been these state regulators who have provided and continue to provide regulatory clarity and supervision to ensure consumer protection and enable growth in the sector,” said Soto-Wright. “As federal legislation now approaches the finish line, it is essential to preserve viable state pathways for PSIs [permitted stablecoin issuers] that place the state regulators who meet the standards set out in GENIUS and STABLE on equal footing with federal regulators.”April 17 letter from MoonPay CEO to congressional leadership. Source: Ivan Soto-WrightThe MoonPay CEO’s comment echoed those of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), which wrote to leadership on the House Financial Services Committee in an April 1 letter and recommended a similar state-level approach. Both the Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee voted to advance the bills in March and April, respectively, paving the way for a full floor vote.Related: Lawmaker alleges Trump wants to replace US dollar with his stablecoinThe STABLE Act, a companion bill modeled after the GENIUS Act, proposed regulating payment stablecoins by limiting them to “permitted payment stablecoin issuers,” allowing for “state qualified” ones. Soto-Wright said the GENIUS bill “stacks the deck” for permitted stablecoin issuers through federal regulators over state-level ones and the Federal Reserve to be the “sole federal regulator for all state PSIs.”Trump family-backed venture launched its own stablecoinIt’s unclear whether the bills have the necessary votes to pass both chambers before being signed into law by US President Donald Trump. The president and his family members have also backed the launch of their own stablecoin through World Liberty Financial, despite allegations of conflicts of interest and potential complications getting the bills through the House and Senate. World Liberty Financial, which launched in September 2024, has already received roughly $600 million — largely through token sales — from investors including Tron founder Justin Sun, market maker DWF Labs, venture capital firm Oddiyana Ventures, and investment platform Web3Port. According to the project, its USD1 stablecoin was not tradable as of March 24.Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions
How to use a crypto hardware wallet: A step-by-step guide
TL;DRThis guide shows you how to set up and use a crypto hardware wallet, using the Trezor Safe 3 as an example. You’ll learn to safely store Bitcoin, Ethereum and other assets offline, with clear steps for wallet setup, seed phrase backup, PIN protection and secure transaction signing. The article also explains how to connect your hardware wallet to MetaMask for use with DeFi platforms and NFTs – all while keeping your private keys offline. Whether you’re comparing the best hardware wallets in 2025 or need a crypto wallet tutorial for receiving and sending funds, this guide has you covered with actionable tips and best practices for long-term cold storage security.If you’re ready to take crypto wallet security seriously, using a hardware wallet is one of the best steps you can take. You may already be aware of its advantages over a software wallet: keeping your private keys offline, minimizing exposure to malware and giving you full ownership of your crypto assets. Maybe you’ve even picked out your device.The good news? While there are several options out there, from Ledger to Trezor to newer multichain hardware wallets, the basic experience is similar. This hardware wallet setup guide will walk you through unboxing, verifying the device, securing your PIN and backing up your seed phrase.For illustration purposes, this article uses the Trezor Safe 3, an ideal device for beginners but powerful enough for advanced users. It’s also a great choice if you want to use a hardware wallet for DeFi or connect your hardware wallet to MetaMask.Let’s get into it.Unboxing your crypto cold walletBefore you begin setup, here’s what comes with a typical hardware wallet, in this case, the Trezor Safe 3. This applies to most of the best hardware wallets in 2025.What’s in the box:Trezor Safe 3 device with tamper-evident seal.USB-C cable.Two recovery seed cards (for your wallet backup).Quick start guide.Trezor stickers.First steps: Inspect and verifyBefore plugging anything in, check for:Sealed, undamaged packaging.Intact holographic sticker over the USB port.This ensures your device hasn’t been tampered with, a crucial crypto wallet security tip. Newer devices (post-April 2024) have upgraded seals for added air-gapped security.If anything looks suspicious, contact Trezor support.Power it upPeel the sticker and connect via USB — the Safe 3 powers on automatically, and no battery or power button is needed.You’ll notice a small screen and two physical buttons. These are how you’ll confirm actions, approve transactions and manage your crypto.Let’s begin the setup.Hardware wallet setup: Trezor Safe 3Getting started takes about 10–15 minutes. For this crypto hardware wallet tutorial, just have your computer ready and a pen handy. You’ll soon need to write down something very important.Step 1: Download Trezor SuiteGo to the official Trezor site and download the Trezor Suite app. It’s available on Windows, macOS, Linux and via web browser.Open it, plug in your device and follow the prompts. Click “Set up my Trezor.”Step 2: Install firmwareYour device may not come with firmware pre-installed. Click “Install Firmware.” This is part of the crypto wallet recovery process and ensures a secure, clean slate.Step 3: Verify device authenticityClick “Let’s check your device” in Trezor Suite. Press the right button on your Safe 3 to authenticate. You’ll see a message confirming the device is verified.Step 4: Quick tutorialThe device might walk you through button usage. Just follow along, it’s a one-time setup.Step 5: Create a new walletYou’ll see two options:Create new wallet (choose this if it’s your first time).Recover wallet (for restoring, using your seed phrase).Step 6: Backup methodYou’ll choose between:Standard seed backup (easiest and most common).Shamir backup (advanced; splits the seed into parts).Stick with standard, unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing.Step 7: Confirm on deviceUse the buttons to confirm your backup method and agree to terms. Press “Create wallet” to proceed.Step 8: Write down your recovery seedThis is the heart of your cold storage for crypto. The device will generate a random list of 12, 20 or 24 words, your recovery seed.Trezor will remind you not to take photos or digital notes of the seed. Write it down on the provided card and store your crypto seed phrase safely. This is critical for future recovery.Step 9: Confirm the seedYou’ll be tested on a few of the words (e.g., “What’s word #5?”). Select the correct ones using the buttons. Once confirmed, your backup is complete.Pro tip: Make a second copy of your seed and store it in a different secure location. This adds an extra layer of protection.Step 10: Set up a PINNow, create your hardware wallet PIN. In Trezor Suite, click “Set PIN.” The device will prompt you with a randomized layout. Use the buttons to choose your digits.PINs can be up to 50 digits long. Choose something memorable, but not obvious. If forgotten, you’ll need to wipe the wallet and recover with the seed phrase.Step 11: Enable coins and final setupYou’ll now choose which coins to enable, Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and more. This step also prepares your wallet for use with DApps or storing Bitcoin in a hardware wallet.After clicking “Complete Setup,” you can name your device or customize the home screen. Then hit “Access Suite” to open your dashboard.If you’ve been following along on your own device, you’ve just completed your first hardware wallet setup and taken a major step toward storing crypto safely!Receiving crypto with a hardware walletOnce your device is set up, you’re ready to store crypto safely by receiving funds into your wallet. Here’s how to accept crypto securely with your Trezor hardware wallet.1. Open the correct accountIn Trezor Suite, choose the account for the crypto you want to receive (e.g., Bitcoin #1 or Ether #1). Click the “Receive” tab to generate a crypto cold wallet address.2. Show and confirm the addressClick “Show full address” in the app. Your Trezor will display the full address on its screen. Always confirm the address on the hardware wallet itself, not just in your browser. This ensures it hasn’t been altered by malware on your computer (a standard crypto wallet security tip).3. Use the addressCopy the address or scan the QR code to send crypto. Your Trezor doesn’t need to stay connected; the blockchain will receive the funds and update your balance next time you plug the wallet in.Pro tips for safe receiving:Confirm addresses on your device, not just your screen.Use a fresh address each time for added privacy (Trezor Suite supports this).If the address doesn’t match between your wallet and app, stop immediately.Sending crypto from a hardware walletSending crypto with a hardware wallet means your private key stays offline, even while broadcasting a transaction. Here’s how to do it securely:1. Select the correct accountIn the Trezor Suite, go to the account holding the asset you want to send. Click “Send.”2. Fill in transaction detailsEnter the recipient’s wallet address and the amount to send. You can also toggle to fiat view if needed. Double-check the recipient address to avoid mistakes.3. Choose a FeeFor Bitcoin, you can select from fee levels: Low, Standard or High.For Ether or ERC-20 tokens, Trezor Suite estimates gas fees automatically.4. Confirm on the deviceClick “Review & Send.” Your Trezor will display the transaction details:Destination address.Amount.Network fee.Only approve the transaction if everything checks out. This is how you protect yourself from clipboard malware.5. Done, signed transaction is now sent!Your signed transaction has now been sent, with zero exposure of your private key. You’ll see the confirmation in your history.More pro tips:If your Trezor asks to sign a transaction you didn’t initiate, cancel immediately.Make sure your ETH balance is sufficient to cover gas for token transfers.For advanced users: Trezor also supports air-gapped security setups using microSD backups.Using a hardware wallet with MetaMask and DAppsWant to use your hardware wallet for DeFi or NFTs while keeping your keys secure? Trezor Safe 3 integrates seamlessly with MetaMask, making it easy to use DApps and sign transactions safely.1. Connect Trezor to MetaMaskOpen MetaMask in your browser. Click your account icon and choose “Connect Hardware Wallet.” Select Trezor when prompted.2. Plug in your TrezorIf not already connected, plug in the device. MetaMask may prompt you to install Trezor Bridge, a utility that enables communication with the wallet.You’ll be asked to approve the reading of your public key from the hardware wallet. This is safe and doesn’t reveal private keys.3. Select a wallet addressMetaMask will list your Trezor-linked Ethereum addresses. Choose one (e.g., Ethereum #1) and click “Unlock.” The wallet will now appear in MetaMask, marked as a hardware wallet.How it worksFrom now on, every time you make a transaction, whether it’s swapping tokens on Uniswap or minting an NFT, you will:Initiate the transaction in MetaMask.See the details appear on your Trezor screen.Physically confirm the transaction using your device buttons.This flow ensures that even if your browser is compromised, the final transaction approval happens on your trusted hardware wallet.Final safety tip: Your hardware wallet screen is the most trustworthy place to verify transaction details. Never rely solely on what you see in the browser.Why hardware wallets matter in 2025Whether you’re storing Bitcoin, using DeFi protocols or exploring NFTs, hardware wallets remain the gold standard for crypto security. With cold storage for crypto, recovery tools like seed phrases and integration with platforms like MetaMask offer powerful protection with ease of use.If the Trezor Safe 3 feels like a good fit, it’s available at a discount via the provided link, a smart first step into secure, self-custodied crypto.Still weighing your options? Explore the updated 2025 guide to the best hardware wallets. It covers Ledger setup, Trezor guides, and more, including advanced models for multichain use, long-term backups and offline storage.Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we have striven to provide all the essential information available in this article, please note that it contains affiliate links. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any decisions related to the company. This article should not be considered investment advice.
Media mogul hits Justin Sun with countersuit in $78M sculpture dispute
American film producer, record executive and art collector David Geffen has hit back at crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun in a countersuit disputing ownership claims over a multimillion-dollar sculpture.The billionaire American media mogul filed a counterclaim against Sun on April 16, calling the Tron founder’s suit a “sham” and adding claims of “unethical and/or illegal business activities.”Sun sued Geffen in February, claiming that the statue was stolen from him by a former employee who then sold the artwork to Geffen in a deal worth around $65 million in artwork and cash.Sun purchased the Alberto Giacometti sculpture titled “Le Nez” at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021 for $78 million, working with the assistance of his former art adviser, Xiong Zihan Sydney.In the 100-page countersuit, Geffen claims that Sun and Xiong “contrived this fraudulent lawsuit” after they couldn’t profitably sell two paintings that Geffen had exchanged for the sculpture, along with $10.5 million in cash.“Sun’s claims concerning Le Nez, a sculpture by the artist Alberto Giacometti, are utterly without merit and constitute a bad-faith, tortious attempt to interfere with Geffen’s ownership of Le Nez,” the counterclaim read. Geffen also claims that Sun was eager to sell the sculpture because crypto markets were crashing throughout 2022 and 2023 and his crypto platforms Poloniex and HTX were repeatedly hacked for hundreds of millions of dollars in 2023. Alberto Giacometti’s Le Nez. Source: Fondation GiacomettKey disputes include whether Xiong confessed to stealing the sculpture, inconsistencies in Sun’s claims about how much money Xiong allegedly stole, and Geffen’s claim that Sun still has the money and the paintings, which are being held by art dealers.Fraudulent behavior allegations Geffen takes things further by alleging Sun has a history of fraudulent behavior, such as being sued by former employees for punishing them for refusing to engage in “unethical and/or illegal business activities,” and making false statements in other lawsuits. Related: Justin Sun ‘not aware’ of circulating reports about CZ plea dealOn April 17, Sun’s lawyer, William Charron, refuted essential aspects of Geffen’s countersuit, according to ArtNet. Ms. Xiong confessed to her theft, was arrested in China, and is in detention in China today, he said before adding: “In spite of these facts, Mr. Geffen goes all-in on the idea that Ms. Xiong was not a thief; that she supposedly spoke for Mr. Sun at all times; and that she is walking freely in China today. Mr. Geffen’s pleading is extremely misguided.” “We eagerly look forward to litigating this case and to recovering Mr. Sun’s property,” he said. In November, Sun bought Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian — a banana taped to the wall — at Sotheby’s New York for $6.2 million, and then ate the banana at a press conference in a publicity stunt. Magazine: Memecoin degeneracy is funding groundbreaking anti-aging research
Manta founder details attempted Zoom hack by Lazarus that used very real ‘legit faces’
Manta Network co-founder Kenny Li says he was targeted by a highly sophisticated phishing attack on Zoom that used live recordings of familiar people in an attempt to have him download malware. The meeting seemed real with the impersonated person’s camera on, but the lack of sound and a suspicious prompt to download a script raised red flags, Li said in an April 17 X post.“I could see their legit faces. Everything looked very real. But I couldn’t hear them. It said my Zoom needs an update. But it asked me to download a script file. I immediately left.”Li then asked the impersonator to verify themselves over a Telegram call, however, they didn’t comply and proceeded to erase all messages and block him soon after.Source: Kenny LiLi believes the North Korean state-backed Lazarus Group was behind the attack.The Manta Network co-founder managed to screenshot his conversation with the attacker before the messages were deleted, where Li initially suggested moving the call over to Google Meet instead.Source: Kenny LiSpeaking with Cointelegraph, Li said he believes the live shots used in the video call were taken from past recordings of real team members.“It didn’t seem AI-generated. The quality looked like what a typical webcam quality looks like.”Source: Kenny LiLi confirmed that the real person’s accounts had been compromised by the Lazarus Group.Beware of being asked to download anything, says LiLi advised other members of the crypto community to always be aware of anything they’re asked to download out of the blue.“The biggest red flag will always be a downloadable. Whether it’s in the form of an update, an attachment, app, or anything else, if you need to download something in order to continue something with the person on the other side, don’t do it.”The Manta executive acknowledged that it could easily fool a crypto executive accustomed to being bombarded with messages and accepting sudden meeting requests.“These are hacks that play to your emotional connection and potentially mental fatigue.”Other members of the crypto community share similar storiesLi wasn’t the only to be targeted by the hackers in recent days.“They also asked me to download Zoom via their link, and said that it’s only for their business. Even though I actually have Zoom on my computer, I couldn’t use it,” a member of ContributionDAO said.Related: Lazarus Group’s 2024 pause was repositioning for $1.4B Bybit hack“They claimed it had to be a business version that they had registered. When I requested to switch to Google Meet instead, they refused.”Crypto researcher and X user “Meekdonald” said a friend of theirs fell victim to the exact same strategy that Li avoided.Magazine: Meet the hackers who can help get your crypto life savings back
Slovenia’s finance ministry floats 25% tax on crypto transactions
Slovenia’s Finance Ministry is considering a possible 25% tax on crypto trading profits for residents in the country under a new draft law now open for public consultation. The bill proposes to tax traders when they sell their cryptocurrency for fiat or pay for goods and services, but crypto-to-crypto and transfers between wallets owned by the same user will be exempt, Slovenia’s Finance Ministry said in an April 17 statement.Under the proposed legislation, crypto tax will be aligned with existing tax laws. Slovenia taxpayers will be required to keep a record of all their transactions for annual tax returns. The tax base would be calculated on profits by subtracting the purchase price from the sale price. In a statement to the Slovenia Times, finance minister Klemen Boštjančič said it’s unreasonable that crypto trading for individuals isn’t currently taxed in the country. “The goal of taxation of crypto assets is not to generate tax revenue, but we find it illogical and unreasonable that one of the most speculative financial instruments is not taxed at all,” he said in a statement translated from Slovenian. New tax could stifle crypto in Slovenia, lawmaker says Jernej Vrtovec, a member of Slovenia’s national assembly and New Slovenia opposition party, slammed the proposal in an April 16 statement to X, arguing it could stifle crypto growth in the country. “Slovenia has the opportunity to become a crypto-friendly country, but with the government’s proposals, we will miss the train again,” he said in a post also translated from Slovenian. “With excessive taxation, we will once again see young people and capital fleeing abroad. Taxes should encourage, not stifle.” Source: Jernej VrtovecThe proposal is open to public consultation until May 5. If Slovenian lawmakers pass the bill, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Slovenia introduced a 10% tax on crypto withdrawals and payments in 2023, but capital gains from occasional crypto trading are not taxed, according to the crypto tax platform Token Tax. Related: NFT trader faces prison for $13M tax fraud on CryptoPunk profitsCrypto activity can also currently be exempt from tax if it’s considered a hobby. Business activity, such as mining or staking, is subject to income tax. A previous bill proposed in April 2022 planned to levy a 5% tax on profits over 10,000 euros ($11,372), but it was never passed into law. Slovenia issued the first digital sovereign bond in the European Union on July 25 last year. It had a nominal size of 30 million euros ($32.5 million) with a 3.65% coupon and a maturity date of Nov. 25 that year. The number of crypto users in Slovenia is projected to reach roughly 98,000 in 2025, according to online data platform Statista, with a penetration rate of 4.6% among its population of 2.12 million people. While the projected revenue for the country’s crypto market is slated to hit $2.8 million. Magazine: How crypto laws are changing across the world in 2025
Arizona crypto reserve bill passes House committee, heads to third reading
One of Arizona’s crypto reserve bills has been passed by the House and is now one successful vote away from heading to the governor’s desk for official approval.Arizona’s Strategic Digital Assets Reserve Bill (SB 1373) was approved on April 17 by the House Committee of the Whole, which involves 60 House members weighing in on the bill before a third and final reading and a full floor vote.Source: Bitcoin LawsSB 1373 seeks to establish a Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund made up of digital assets seized through criminal proceedings to be managed by the state’s treasurer. Arizona’s treasurer would be permitted to invest up to 10% of the fund’s total monies in any fiscal year in digital assets. The treasurer would also be able to loan the fund’s assets in order to increase returns, provided it doesn’t increase financial risks.However, a Senate-approved SB 1373 may be set back by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who recently pledged to veto all bills until the legislature passes a bill for disability funding.Hobbs also has a history of vetoing bills before the House and has vetoed 15 bills sent to her desk this week alone.Arizona is the new leader in the state Bitcoin reserve raceSB 1373 has been passing through Arizona’s legislature alongside the Arizona Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (SB 1025), which only includes Bitcoin (BTC).The bill proposes allowing Arizona’s treasury and state retirement system to invest up to 10% of the available funds into Bitcoin.SB 1025 also passed Arizona’s House Committee of the Whole on April 1 and is awaiting a full floor vote.Related: Binance helps countries with Bitcoin reserves, crypto policies, says CEORace to establish a Bitcoin reserve at the state level. Source: Bitcoin LawsUtah passed Bitcoin legislation on March 7 but scrapped the cornerstone provision establishing the Bitcoin reserve in the final reading.The Texas Senate passed a Bitcoin reserve bill on March 6, while a similar bill recently passed through New Hampshire’s House.Magazine: Crypto ‘more taboo than OnlyFans,’ says Violetta Zironi, who sold song for 1 BTC