Never Sell Your Bitcoin: Unlocking Value

“Never sell your Bitcoin” has long been a mantra within the Bitcoin community, gaining prominence when President Donald Trump echoed it during his 2024 Bitcoin conference speech. Historically, this principle posed a dilemma: how could early adopters realize their substantial gains without selling their Bitcoin? While purchasing goods with Bitcoin has become more feasible over the years, the volatile nature of its value often led to regret over transactions made with Bitcoin that later appreciated significantly.

In 2020, platforms like Celsius and BlockFi appeared to offer a solution by allowing users to borrow against their Bitcoin holdings and earn yield. However, these platforms engaged in risky practices, such as investing in unstable DeFi projects, leading to their eventual collapse and resulting in significant losses for many users. This experience made Bitcoin holders wary of entrusting their assets to unregulated entities.

Watch Jack Mallers Describe The Hodlers Dilema

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has evolved dramatically. Bitcoin is now recognized as an institutional-grade financial asset, with regulations in place that permit banks and other financial institutions to offer custody and lending services. While caution regarding third-party risk remains prudent, the entry of regulated banks, brokers, and fintech companies into the Bitcoin lending space introduces a new era of opportunities.

Borrowing against Bitcoin is a strategy long employed by the wealthy, who leverage their assets to access capital without selling them, thereby avoiding taxable events and maintaining potential for future appreciation. With Bitcoin’s compound annual growth rate hovering around 60%, borrowing against it at interest rates below 10% unlocks significant potential for those who have been diligently accumulating.

Recent developments underscore this shift. At the 2025 Bitcoin conference, Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike, announced the launch of Bitcoin-backed loans with interest rates starting at 9.5%, loan amounts ranging from $10,000 to $2 million, and no origination or early repayment fees. These loans feature a maximum initial loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 50%, and borrowers can choose between monthly interest payments or a lump sum at maturity. Importantly, these loans do not affect credit scores, as they are not reported to credit agencies. Most of these loans can be funded in less than 48 hours, some in as little time as 30 minutes.

These developments signify a maturing Bitcoin lending market, providing holders with avenues to access liquidity without selling their assets. However, it’s crucial to approach these opportunities responsibly:

• Understand the Terms: Familiarize yourself with the loan’s interest rates, repayment schedules, and LTV ratios.
  
• Assess the Risks: Be aware of the potential for liquidation if the value of your Bitcoin collateral decreases significantly.
  
• Avoid Overleveraging: Only borrow against a portion of your holdings to ensure you can post additional collateral if needed and to mitigate the risk of losing your Bitcoin in a market downturn

By leveraging these new financial tools wisely, Bitcoin holders can unlock the value of their assets, fund significant purchases or investments, and continue to benefit from Bitcoin’s long-term appreciation—all without selling a single satoshi.

In our July blog, we will delve deeper into responsible borrowing practices, helping you navigate this evolving landscape with confidence.

 Are you interested in unlocking the purchasing power of your Bitcoin? Here’s a list and links to some of the lenders offering Bitcoin collateralized loans right now.

1. Strike

Strike provides Bitcoin-backed cash advances in select markets. It focuses on low-fee services, particularly in the U.S. and Latin America. Loans are deposited directly to your bank and integrate seamlessly with the Strike wallet. Availability depends on regional regulations.

2. Unchained Capital

Unchained Capital specializes in Bitcoin-only loans using a multi-signature custody model. You retain partial control of your collateral via a 2-of-3 multisig setup. Loans typically start at $10,000 and are designed for long-term holders who want to borrow USD without selling their Bitcoin.

3. Ledn

Ledn offers loans backed by Bitcoin or USDC with no credit checks. Users can choose to earn interest on their Bitcoin or use it as collateral. Loan approval is typically completed within 24 hours, with an LTV ratio of up to 50%.

4. Coinbase

Coinbase offers Bitcoin-backed loans with payouts in USDC, using the Morpho protocol on the Base blockchain. Users can borrow up to $100,000 without credit checks. Collateral is held within Coinbase’s custodial infrastructure, and the service is available in select U.S. states.

5. Abra

Abra provides crypto-backed loans through Abra Borrow, allowing users to borrow stablecoins against Bitcoin and Ethereum. LTV ratios range from 15% to 85%, and interest rates can be as low as 0% for short-term borrowing. Abra is developing a self-custody loan model and operates in several jurisdictions.

Bitcoin as a Monetary Network: Embracing Its Evolution

The assertion that “Bitcoin is a monetary network and needs to be used to continue to grow” holds true, but its full realization as a medium of exchange is a gradual process. Currently, Bitcoin primarily functions as a store of value, akin to digital gold. As it continues to absorb value from the traditional fiat system, its role in everyday transactions is expected to expand organically.

In the meantime, supporting businesses that accept Bitcoin can foster its adoption. Consider allocating a portion of your fiat currency to purchase Bitcoin specifically for spending. For instance, if your local grocery store accepts Bitcoin, you might buy Bitcoin equivalent to your grocery budget and use it for purchases. This approach not only supports merchants by reducing their transaction fees but also encourages the practical use of Bitcoin in commerce.

Engaging with Bitcoin in this manner allows you to contribute to its growth as a monetary network while maintaining your investment holdings. As the ecosystem matures, such participation will play a crucial role in transitioning Bitcoin from a store of value to a widely accepted medium of exchange.

Watch this Episode of the The Wolf Of All Streets with Jeff Booth

Bitcoin Hits New All-Time Highs in May

May 2025 marked a significant milestone for Bitcoin, as it reached a new all-time high of $111,717.45 on May 22. This achievement was accompanied by record-setting daily, weekly, and monthly closing prices. By the end of the month, Bitcoin closed around $104,500, reflecting a 10.99% gain for May.

Several factors contributed to this upward momentum. Institutional investment played a crucial role, with substantial inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs indicating renewed confidence in the cryptocurrency market. Additionally, rising yields on long-term government bonds in the U.S. and Japan prompted investors to seek alternative assets like Bitcoin and gold, which are perceived as hedges against currency devaluation and inflation.

The shift away from traditional government debt instruments, which offer negative real yields when adjusted for inflation, suggests a growing preference for assets that can preserve purchasing power. If these trends persist, Bitcoin may continue its upward trajectory, potentially reaching new all-time highs in the near future.

Corporations, Nation-States, Sovereign Wealth Funds—Oh My!

They’re all here, and the list keeps growing. There are now 114 corporations with Bitcoin on their balance sheets, and sovereign wealth funds like those from Saudi Arabia and the UAE have either confirmed or are widely believed to be accumulating Bitcoin—both through ETFs and private holdings.

On the state level, Texas, Arizona, and New Hampshire have already passed legislation establishing Bitcoin Strategic Reserves (BSRs). These aren’t symbolic gestures—they are calculated moves by governments and entities with long-term visions. They’re not trading Bitcoin; they’re accumulating it as a durable, decentralized store of value.

For U.S. states, this strategy could be a game-changer. Many state governments rely heavily on federal funding to maintain essential services. But with that funding often come strings attached—mandates and policy requirements that may not always align with local values or priorities. By securing a Bitcoin reserve, states have the opportunity to strengthen their financial sovereignty and reduce dependency on federal dollars.

Bitcoin is the first asset in history that can serve as a truly neutral reserve—unlike treasuries or cash, it can’t be devalued or frozen by another party. Holding Bitcoin provides states with a way to preserve purchasing power over time while gaining more autonomy in fiscal planning.

This strategic move also sends a signal: that the state intends to secure its future with sound money and align itself with innovation, rather than outdated monetary systems. It offers a hedge against inflation, economic instability, and even political coercion.

All of this is contributing to an intensifying demand for Bitcoin on the open market—driven by long-term holders who are unlikely to sell. As lending options continue to expand, many of these holders now have access to capital without selling their Bitcoin, which only compounds the supply shortage.

With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, and more entities—from corporations to countries—accumulating for the long term, we may be entering a new phase in Bitcoin’s history. While it’s too early to declare the four-year halving cycle dead, this level of institutional and sovereign adoption could permanently alter its character. Instead of massive boom-and-bust moves, we may see more stable price appreciation and a muted drawdown after each cycle peak.

If this trend holds, the so-called “bear market” of 2026 may end up looking more like a consolidation phase than a crash. Traders expecting a typical 70% drop could find themselves sidelined, watching Bitcoin steadily grind higher.

And that’s one more reason why seasoned Bitcoiners repeat the phrase: Never sell your Bitcoin.

Ethereum’s Attempt to Break a Three-Year Downtrend: A Glimmer of Hope for Altcoins?

ETH/BTC Chart

Ethereum’s performance against Bitcoin has long been a bellwether for the broader altcoin market. Historically, a sustained uptrend in the ETH/BTC pair has often signaled the onset of an “altcoin season,” where alternative cryptocurrencies outperform Bitcoin over a period of several months.

However, in the current cycle, Bitcoin has demonstrated remarkable strength, with its dominance in the cryptocurrency market reaching approximately 65% in May 2025—a level not seen since 2021 . This surge in dominance indicates a significant concentration of market capital in Bitcoin, leaving altcoins struggling to gain traction.

Ethereum, being the second-largest cryptocurrency and a foundational platform for many altcoins through its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), plays a pivotal role in the altcoin ecosystem. In May, Ethereum showed signs of strength against Bitcoin, suggesting a potential bottoming in its BTC valuation for this cycle. This development is crucial, as a rising ETH/BTC ratio could rejuvenate interest in altcoins.

Despite this, Ethereum remains approximately 50% below its all-time high, while Bitcoin has surpassed its previous peak. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including increased competition in the altcoin space and skepticism among retail investors due to the proliferation of tokens with limited utility.

For traders and investors, it’s essential to monitor key indicators such as the ETH/BTC chart and Bitcoin dominance levels. A decisive move by Ethereum to break its long-term downtrend against Bitcoin could signal a shift in market dynamics, potentially ushering in a new altcoin season. However, until such a breakout occurs, caution is advised. For those not engaged in active trading, continuing a dollar-cost averaging strategy into Bitcoin remains a prudent approach.

Here are the top 13 coins by market cap and their gains since January 1, 2023. Note only Solana and Hyperliquid have outperformed Bitcoin

Bitcoin Conference 2025, Key Speakers

The Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas was a landmark event, featuring powerful speeches from some of the most influential voices in the Bitcoin ecosystem. The overarching themes included monetary debasement, Bitcoin adoption, personal sovereignty, and the growing integration of Bitcoin into national and institutional frameworks.

Cynthia Lummis

Senator Cynthia Lummis delivered one of the most impactful political addresses at the event. She proposed a bold legislative vision to incorporate Bitcoin into U.S. national strategy, including a strategic Bitcoin reserve and regulatory clarity for the digital asset industry. Her message was clear: Bitcoin represents both economic resilience and geopolitical strength, and the United States must embrace it proactively.

Arthur Hayes

Arthur Hayes offered a bold forecast, predicting that Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by the end of 2025. He argued this surge would be driven by global liquidity expansion and central bank money printing. Hayes emphasized that Bitcoin thrives under inflationary economic conditions, positioning it as the ultimate beneficiary of fiat system stress.

Lyn Alden

Lyn Alden gave a sober and data-rich analysis of the U.S. fiscal landscape, illustrating how rising debt levels and persistent deficits have put the nation on an unsustainable trajectory. She presented Bitcoin as a necessary hedge in a world where traditional monetary systems are increasingly unstable, describing Bitcoin as a financial lifeboat for both individuals and institutions.

Jack Mallers

Jack Mallers energized the audience with the announcement of Bitcoin-backed loans through Strike. This new offering enables users to access cash without selling their Bitcoin, unlocking liquidity while preserving upside exposure. Mallers emphasized user empowerment, reducing reliance on banks, and integrating Bitcoin more deeply into everyday financial life.

Michael Saylor

Michael Saylor delivered a philosophical and strategic keynote titled “21 Ways to Wealth,” championing Bitcoin as the ultimate long-term asset. He outlined how Bitcoin outperforms traditional investments in terms of security, scarcity, and sovereignty. His speech encouraged individuals and businesses to adopt a Bitcoin-first mindset to protect and grow generational wealth.

Paolo Ardoino

Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, revealed the company’s ambitious plan to become the world’s largest Bitcoin miner by the end of 2025. With over $2 billion committed to mining and infrastructure, Tether aims to contribute directly to Bitcoin’s security and decentralization. The announcement marked a shift from Tether being purely a stablecoin issuer to becoming a major player in Bitcoin’s on-chain future.

Ross Ulbricht

In a deeply emotional moment, Ross Ulbricht addressed the community for the first time since his release from prison. His speech was centered on freedom, unity, and decentralization—the core principles that drew him to Bitcoin in the first place. Ulbricht thanked the Bitcoin community for their years of support and encouraged them to keep fighting for a world where individuals are free to transact without coercion or surveillance.

Final Thoughts: A Bright Horizon for Bitcoin Enthusiasts

June 2025 paints a promising picture for Bitcoin holders and advocates. The mantra “Never sell your Bitcoin” resonates more than ever, as the ecosystem matures and offers innovative avenues to leverage Bitcoin’s value without parting with it.

The advent of regulated Bitcoin-backed loans provides a secure method to access liquidity, empowering individuals to make significant purchases or investments while retaining their Bitcoin holdings. This strategy mirrors the financial practices of the wealthy, who have long utilized asset-backed borrowing to preserve and grow their wealth.

Bitcoin’s role as a monetary network continues to evolve. While it remains a robust store of value, its adoption in everyday transactions is gaining momentum. Supporting businesses that accept Bitcoin not only fosters its utility but also strengthens the network’s foundation for future growth.

The cryptocurrency’s impressive performance in May, reaching new all-time highs, underscores its resilience and growing appeal. Institutional interest, coupled with macroeconomic factors, suggests a sustained upward trajectory.

Moreover, the strategic accumulation of Bitcoin by corporations, nation-states, and sovereign wealth funds signals a shift towards recognizing Bitcoin as a vital financial asset. For U.S. states, establishing Bitcoin reserves could serve as a bulwark against federal overreach, ensuring financial autonomy and stability.

While Ethereum’s recent movements hint at a potential altcoin resurgence, Bitcoin’s dominance remains unshaken. For most investors, continuing a disciplined dollar-cost averaging approach into Bitcoin offers a prudent path forward.

As we look ahead, the convergence of regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and innovative financial tools positions Bitcoin at the forefront of a new financial era. Embracing these developments with informed optimism can pave the way for enduring prosperity in the digital age.

All information provided is for educational purposes only. It is essential to conduct your own research before making any financial decisions. This is not intended as financial advice. 

 Links & Tutorials

Bitcoin Education Resources 

Hope.com – Learn more about Bitcoin and how to use BTC to protect your wealth. 

The Bitcoin Standard – Book by Saifedean Ammous – a must-read!

Crypto 101 – A beginner handbook to cryptocurrency

The Bitcoin Way – Go bankless! Bitcoin education and services to help you custody your Bitcoin safely and securely.

Swan Bitcoin – Bitcoin exchange, IRAs and institutional-grade custody solutions

River Financial – Bitcoin exchange and institutional-grade custody solutions

God Bless Bitcoin – Full Length Documentary

Zero To Hero Bitcoiner – Tutorials from BTC Sessions

Freedom People Resources

People Pay – Accept Bitcoin payments for your business

Chainrecorder – Prove ownership immutably by recording your documents on the Bitcoin blockchain 

Cracking the Code Educated Tax Return – Legally avoid income and capital gains taxes.

U.S. Regulated Exchanges (Fiat Onramps)

Coinbase – Using Coinbase Advance Video

Kraken – Using Kraken Pro Video

Gemini – Tutorial Video

Bitstamp – Tutorial Videos

Strike App – Tutorial Video

Fold Card – Tutorial Video

KYC Credentials Outside the U.S. 

Palau ID – Foreign residence to pass KYC on foreign exchanges.

KYC Exchanges that Accept Palau ID (Must Use VPN – Costa Rica, Columbia, Mexico, Panama)

Kucoin – Video

Bitget – Video

ByBit – Video

BingX – Video

Phemex – Video

MexC – Video

No KYC Exchanges (Must Use VPN – Costa Rica, Columbia, Mexico, Panama)

Blofin – Video

Margex – Video

Levex – 

Zoomex – Video

Weex – Video

Bitunix – Video

CoinW – Video

DEXs (Decentralized Exchanges) – Best Wallet To Use

Jupiter – Video Solana Ecosystem – Phantom Wallet

Whales Market – Solana OTC Trade Desk – Phantom Wallet

Thorswap – Swap native assets cross-chain (BTC for ETH etc..) and a very unique decentralized Bitcoin lending platform. Works best with the XDefi Browser Wallet. 

Decentralized Bitcoin lending platform. Thorswap Overview Video  Loans On Thorswap Video

Osmosis – Cosmos Ecosystem – Rabby, Metamask

Spooky Swap -Fantom – Rabby, Metamask

Trader Joe – Avalanche Ecosystem – Rabby, Metamask

Crypto Market and Portfolio Tracking

CoinGecko for portfolio tracking and up-to-date prices 

CoinMarketCap – Crypto Prices

Banter Bubbles – Crypto Prices – Social Sentiment

Trading View – Chart all Markets and trading pairs Tradingview Tutorial Video

Coinglass BTC Monthly Returns

Storage – Not your keys, Not your crypto!

Cold Storage Wallets (Secure Long-Term Storage of Your Crypto)

Casa Custody Solutions – Multi Sig Storage and Inheritance

N’Grave – Videos

Trezor – Video

Tangem – Video

Ledger – Video

Cold Card (Bitcoin Only) – Video

Hot Wallets (Lower Security – interact with DAPPS and Smart Contracts)

Trust – Video1 Video 2

Coinbase – Video

Rabby –Video

Metamask – Video 

XDefi Browser Wallet – Video1 Video 2

Phantom– Video

Exodus – Video

Aqua Wallet – Video – Self Custody, Lightning and Liquid Network Bitcoin & USDT

Warning-If you have a wallet and an NFT has been sent to your wallet that you did not mint or purchase.. NEVER click on it. Many have malicious code that can drain your wallet! – BE CAREFUL

Stay Free!

Kury