The cryptocurrency market has seen several major developments this week: leading hardware wallet makers unveiled next-generation devices, Canada issued a historic anti-money-laundering fine, Ripple returned to the spotlight amid large-scale XRP sales, and Changpeng Zhao is back on the scene after a presidential pardon. Minfin reports.
Ledger and Trezor Launch Next-Gen Hardware Wallets
At events in Paris and Prague, Ledger and Trezor introduced new flagship models focused on security, autonomy, and seamless connectivity.
Ledger Nano Gen5
- E-Ink touchscreen display
- Bluetooth & NFC connectivity
- Ledger Recovery Key card for secure account restoration
- The Ledger Live app has been rebranded to Ledger Wallet, now enabling direct interaction with decentralized apps (dApps)
Trezor Safe 7
- Aluminum body with a Gorilla Glass 3-protected touchscreen
- Wireless charging and Bluetooth support
- New fully auditable TROPIC01 secure chip designed to resist future quantum computing threats
→ Both devices reflect a clear trend: self-custody and mobility are becoming the new standard as DeFi adoption accelerates.
Canada Issues Record $126M Fine to Cryptomus
Canada’s financial intelligence agency FINTRAC imposed a record CA$176.96M (~$126.4M) fine on Xeltox Enterprises (operator of Cryptomus) for systematic money laundering violations.
Findings included:
- Failure to report 1,000+ suspicious transactions
- Concealment of 1,518 high-value crypto transfers (>$10,000 each)
- Links to:
- child exploitation networks
- ransomware payments
- fraud operations
- sanction-evasion schemes
→ This is the largest AML fine in Canadian history — and a direct warning to crypto platforms globally.
Ripple Co-Founder Sold $764M+ in XRP
CryptoQuant analysts report that Ripple Labs co-founder Chris Larsen has sold over $764 million worth of XRP since 2018.
Latest sale:
- 50 million XRP (~$120M) sold in one hour
- Executed at a local price peak (~$2.43)
→ A strategic pattern of profit-taking at market highs continues.
Donald Trump Pardons Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao
U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, who in 2023 admitted to violating U.S. AML regulations.
Zhao wrote:
“Grateful for the support of fairness, innovation, and justice.”
The White House noted that the decision is part of a new national approach to crypto-economic policy.
→ Market implication: CZ may return to public leadership, potentially strengthening Binance’s global positioning.
Info: minfin.com.ua