MetaMask Launches Metal Payment Card in Collaboration with CompoSecure and Mastercard

MetaMask, in collaboration with CompoSecure, Baanx, and Mastercard, launched the MetaMask Metal Payment Card, a premium, physical crypto debit card

MetaMask, in partnership with CompoSecure, Baanx, and Mastercard, is introducing the MetaMask Metal Payment Card, a premium physical crypto debit card that enables tap-to-pay transactions directly from self-custody MetaMask wallets. The card, which is set for a global rollout in Q2 2025, will allow users to spend cryptocurrencies such as USDC, aUSDC, USDT, WETH, EURe, and GBPe with seamless integration into the Web2 ecosystem.

The card, which is being launched in collaboration with CompoSecure, will be available in two editions: a standard edition in sleek black and a limited-edition Metal Card that offers premium rewards and exclusive perks. The card will be launched in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the EEA, Mexico, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. (excluding New York and Vermont).

The partnership marks a significant step in bridging the Web2 and Web3 worlds, offering a seamless and secure way for MetaMask users to spend their crypto in billions of Mastercard merchants worldwide.

"We are excited to partner with MetaMask to bring this innovative payment solution to market," said Nicolas Payant, Regional President, Mastercard. "This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision to provide seamless and secure payment experiences that meet the evolving needs of today's consumers."

"At MetaMask, we are focused on providing users with the best possible Web3 experiences, and this partnership is a testament to that commitment," added Dan Tabbush, Mononominal Partner at MetaMask. "We are thrilled to be working with Mastercard and CompoSecure to launch the MetaMask Metal Payment Card, which will offer users a premium and convenient way to spend their crypto in the real world."

Ledger integrates Kiln to offer stablecoin yield directly in self-custody

In other news, Ledger Live will now enable users to earn stablecoin yields directly from self-custody through a new integration with Kiln, a leading DeFi yield aggregator.

Announced on Monday, the partnership will allow Ledger users to generate passive income on stablecoins such as USDC, USDT, USDS, and DAI with yields ranging from 5% to 9.9% APY, depending on the protocol used e.g., Aave, Compound, Morpho, Sky, Spark.

The key advantage is that users will maintain full control of their private keys, ensuring self-custody without transferring assets to centralized platforms.

This integration is facilitated through Ledger Live’s interface, where Kiln will provide backend access to DeFi lending protocols, simplifying the process while prioritizing security.

Only 4% of stablecoin holders currently earn yield, according to a recent Chainalysis report. This integration aims to make DeFi more accessible and secure for Ledger users.

Suspected theft of 3,520 Bitcoin sparks 50% surge in Monero price

A suspected theft of 3,520 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at approximately $330.7 million, has led to a 50% surge in Monero (XMR) prices, according to various sources.

The privacy coin reached an intraday high of $339-$391, while the BTC was stolen from a potential victim’s wallet (address: bc1qcrypchnrdx87jnal5e5m849fw460t4gk7vz55g).

The theft was first reported by blockchain investigator ZachXBT, who noted that the stolen BTC was rapidly laundered through over six instant exchanges and converted into XMR to obscure the trail.

The large-scale conversion caused a supply-demand shock in Monero’s market, given its lower liquidity compared to Bitcoin, driving the price spike.

Trading volume surged by up to 500%, open interest in XMR futures hit a yearly high, and over $1 million in short positions were liquidated.

However, XMR later retraced, trading between $263-$295 by the end of the day, still up 15-25% over 24 hours.

ZachXBT also dismissed speculation that North Korea’s Lazarus Group was involved, suggesting that independent hackers targeted a longtime Bitcoin holder, likely an “OG Bitcoiner.”

FTX initiates legal action against token issuers for unreturned assets

Bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX has initiated legal action against certain token and coin issuers, including NFT Stars Limited and KUROSEMI INC. (operating as Delysium), for failing to deliver contractually obligated tokens and refusing to cooperate in returning assets owed to the FTX estate.

These lawsuits, which were announced on Monday, are part of FTX’s efforts to recover assets to repay customers affected by the exchange’s collapse in November 2022.

The complaints follow multiple unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue without litigation, and FTX has