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What is a Phantom wallet? How to set up and use it
Learn how to set up and use a Phantom wallet, including downloading the extension, creating an account, securing your keys and more.
Key takeaways:
If you’re managing assets on Solana, chances are you’ve heard of Phantom Wallet — it’s the go-to choice for many users. Over the years, it has evolved beyond Solana and now supports the Ethereum, Polygon and even Bitcoin blockchains, making it a versatile multichain wallet.
Whether you’re a decentralized finance (DeFi) enthusiast, a non-fungible token (NFT) collector or just getting started with crypto, Phantom provides the tools and security you need — all wrapped in an intuitive interface.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Phantom Wallet, from setup to advanced features. Read More
How a simple browser extension prevented an $80K transfer to a malicious wallet
A last-minute alert stops an $80,000 transfer to a terrorist-linked wallet, underscoring the growing need for onchain security.
A crypto user was moments away from transferring $80,000 to a wallet later flagged for terrorism financing. Unaware of the high risk, they nearly approved the transaction until a last-minute alert from a Web3-friendly browser extension intervened — averting both financial loss and potential legal consequences. This near miss showcases how crucial proactive protection is as Web3 adoption accelerates.
The emerging risk landscape:
The Web3 world has enjoyed tremendous growth over the last years, expanding from one-dimensioned applications of blockchain — decentralized finance (DeFi) — to multi-layered use cases like decentralized applications (DApps) and the decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN).
While Web3 brings transparency and autonomy to the core of each user’s digital journey, it also opens doors to scams, phishing attacks and malicious wallet interactions if left unchecked.
Because nearly all onchain activities occur through Web3 wallets, users who can’t quickly gauge an address’s transactional history or spot suspicious behavior face serious financial and legal risks. Wallets tied to money laundering, sanctioned entities or terrorist financing can go undetected until it’s too late. This uncertainty erodes trust in the technology and slows broader adoption, underscoring the need for solutions that deliver immediate and actionable security insights. Read More
North Carolina Considers Bill to Invest Public Funds in Bitcoin ETFs
North Carolina lawmakers are considering a proposal to invest public funds into Bitcoin exchange-traded products.
The bill, filed Monday by Rep. Stephen M. Ross (R-NC), calls for the State Treasurer to invest up to 10% of money from North Carolina's funds and retirement systems into Bitcoin ETPs. That means the state could pour more than $10 billion into funds built around the world's oldest cryptocurrency.
Although the draft legislation doesn't refer to Bitcoin by name, it calls for the State Treasurer to invest in exchange-traded products tracking digital assets with a minimum average market capitalization of $750 billion over the past twelve months.
Only one digital asset fits the bill, as of this writing: Bitcoin
More than a dozen states have put forth bills to invest public funds in digital assets such as Bitcoin or stablecoins, with Montana, Maryland, and Kentucky filing such bills just last week. The scope and depth of those proposed investments differs from state to state, however, with some enabling direct investments into cryptocurrencies and some even mentioning Bitcoin by name. Read More
Grayscale Seeks Cardano ETF Approval After Filing for Solana, XRP and Dogecoin Funds
Grayscale Investments aims to launch a Cardano exchange-traded fund on the New York Stock Exchange, according to a document posted to the NYSE website. NYSE Arca submitted the 19b-4 form for a proposed rule change Monday on behalf of the issuer.
Cardano (ADA), the ninth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has jumped 12% on the day to $0.748 on news of the Cardano ETF filing, according to CoinGecko. It's the largest gainer over the last day among the top 10 coins by market cap.
If approved, Grayscale's Cardano ETF would be the first exchange-traded product for the blockchain, and would join Grayscale’s lineup of crypto ETFs, which includes the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF, Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF, Ethereum Trust ETF, and Ethereum Mini ETF.
"The proposed rule change is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade and to protect investors and the public interest in that there is a considerable amount of ADA price and market information available on public websites and through professional and subscription services," Grayscale said in the Cardano ETF filing. Read More
Web3-focused campaign aims to catapult DePIN into mainstream
A token-backed campaign encouraging users to interact with decentralized infrastructure through real-world tasks is accelerating DePIN’s mainstream adoption.
To drive real-world adoption of DePIN, layer-1 blockchain peaq launched the Get Real campaign, which rewards users for contributing to real-world DApps.
The decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) sector experienced significant growth in 2024, with its market capitalization surging 132% to surpass $40 billion. The rise is fueled by DePIN’s ability to generate tangible value through everyday devices and decentralized services, moving Web3 beyond speculative products like memecoins.
Despite this expansion, mass adoption remains a challenge. To compete with traditional Web2 infrastructure, DePIN must attract a broader user base and reach an industry-grade scale.
Many projects rely on incentives to drive adoption, but rather than traditional airdrops for passive engagement, users seek projects with real-world value. Sustainable adoption depends on meaningful onchain rewards that encourage impactful contributions to the network — and Web3-powered real-world outcomes. Read More
Could Bitcoin Reach A $1 Million Milestone Sooner Than Later? Here's A Possible Path To Achieving It
In the past half-year, Bitcoin (BTC) has seen remarkable expansion, with its value rising by 50% and breaking the $100,000 barrier for the first time. The cryptocurrency community is bullish on the recent election outcome, expecting President Donald Trump's leadership to fuel further growth and propel Bitcoin to new levels in the years to come. The cryptocurrency space is abuzz with interest, and a recent announcement from the Trump administration, which is seen as more crypto-friendly, has sparked anticipation that it could be a catalyst for even more incredible price appreciation for Bitcoin.
Following Gary Gensler's resignation as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), known for his negative stance on cryptocurrency, Mark Uyeda has taken on the role of acting chairman. Uyeda is recognized for supporting cryptocurrency and blockchain advancements, marking a notable shift from Gensler's strict regulatory strategies. Uyeda's more favorable stance towards cryptocurrency could potentially lead to less stringent regulations, positively impacting Bitcoin's value. Uyeda will serve as acting chairman until the Senate confirms Paul Atkins, the nominated SEC chairman. Read More
Grayscale, NYSE Arca file to launch US-based spot Cardano ETF
NYSE Arca, a subsidiary of the NYSE Group, has filed on behalf of crypto asset manager Grayscale to launch a spot Cardano exchange-traded fund (ETF).
In a Feb. 10 proposed rule change filing to the SEC, NYSE Arca proposed that the stock exchange list and trade shares of a new Grayscale Cardano Trust.
If approved, the product would be Grayscale’s first standalone Cardano investment product.
According to the filing, Coinbase Custody Trust Company would be the custodian of the assets, and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing would serve as administrator.
“The proposed rule change will facilitate the listing and trading of an additional type of exchange-traded product, and the first such product based on ADA, which will enhance competition among market participants, to the benefit of investors and the marketplace,” wrote NYSE Arca in the filing.
Grayscale’s request to list a Cardano ETF comes amid a slew of similar filings and amendments from the asset manager in recent weeks. Read More
Ondo Finance introduces layer-1 blockchain to bridge traditional finance and DeFi
Ondo Finance, a prominent player in tokenised real-world assets, is taking a significant step toward merging traditional capital markets with decentralised finance (DeFi).
At its inaugural Ondo Summit, the business revealed plans to launch Ondo Chain, a layer-1 blockchain designed particularly for institutional-grade tokenisation.
Ondo Chain, unlike traditional public blockchains, is designed with compliance in mind. It will use permissioned validators to verify transactions and ensure the accuracy of financial data, such as asset prices and token backing. The network will also support tokenised asset staking and native cross-chain bridging, which means improving blockchain interoperability.
“Financial markets are overdue for an upgrade,” said Nathan Allman, CEO of Ondo Finance. “We’re creating an ecosystem that bridges the best of traditional finance with blockchain technology.” Read More
Here’s What Crypto’s ‘Killer Use Case’ Will Be in the Future, According to CryptoQuant CEO
The chief executive of market intelligence firm CryptoQuant is identifying a “killer” future use case for crypto assets.
In a new thread, Ki Young Ju tells his 402,000 followers on the social media platform X that the political process will eventually become tokenized due to its narrative-driven nature.
According to Ki, the way digital assets are designed makes them a perfect fit for politics, noting that Trump’s crypto asset Official Trump (TRUMP) – which launched last month – is just the start.
“PoliFi will be crypto’s killer use case.
A strong crypto asset attracts capital and talent through a compelling narrative, forming a self-building internet organization.
A narrative gains strength when it: 1) Resonates with the majority. 2) Features extreme, provocative themes. 3) Sparks divisive debate.
Politics checks all three boxes – it’s widely relatable, provocative, and inherently polarizing. Political parties should issue their own coins. Members would invest, fostering belonging, while the free market quantifies public sentiment.
Given their built-in narratives, these communities would be self-sustaining and highly engaged. Imagine the Republican and Democratic parties launching official PoliFi coins. Imagine ETFs (exchange-traded funds) tracking politician-backed tokens. Trump Coin is just the beginning.” Read More
Bitcoin’s role as a reserve asset gains traction in US as states adopt
US states are introducing Bitcoin reserve bills, fueling speculation about a global accumulation race as institutions and governments adopt BTC as a reserve asset.
The growing number of Bitcoin reserve proposals in the United States has fueled speculation about a potential global accumulation race, as early adopters could benefit from the cryptocurrency’s monetary incentives.
Kentucky became the 16th US state to introduce legislation aimed at establishing a Bitcoin reserve that would allocate up to 10% of excess state reserves into digital assets, Cointelegraph reported on Feb. 6.
Bitcoin is on track to “becoming a mainstream reserve asset” thanks to growing institutional and national-level adoption, according to Isaac Joshua CEO of crypto startup platform Gems Launchpad.
If the Kentucky bill is approved, it may trigger a “global race” to accumulate Bitcoin, Joshua told Cointelegraph, adding:
“The tipping point will be when one state formally adopts BTC in reserves. After that, it’s game on, most likely. Once a few actually commit, the others will feel the pressure to follow.”
“We expect to see many portfolios reposition their diverse allocation strategy to include BTC before the big players eat up all the supply,” he added. Read More
What is Tether (USDt), and how does it work?
Tether’s USDt is a stablecoin, a type of cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to a real-world asset.
Unlike many cryptocurrencies known for their price swings, Tether’s USDt is designed to maintain a consistent price tied to the US dollar. This price stability makes Tether an appealing option for investors who want to avoid market volatility while exploring the crypto space.
By enabling trading on exchanges and acting as a store of value, Tether has played a crucial role in the crypto ecosystem. It was also a pioneer in popularizing stablecoins, offering a feasible way of using conventional currencies in digital format.
Did you know? Tether’s story began in 2014 as a startup called “Realcoin.” Just a few months later, it was rebranded as Tether. The company behind it also changed its name to Tether Limited to reflect its mission of tethering digital assets to fiat currencies. Read More
Disclaimer: These articles are provided for informational purposes only. They are not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other advice.
Featured Image Source: Pixabay
