Tag: Lightning

  • Coinbase partners with Lightspark for Bitcoin Lightning Network integration

    Coinbase partners with Lightspark for Bitcoin Lightning Network integration

    • Coinbase’s partnership with Lightspark for Bitcoin Lightning Network integration enhances transaction efficiency.
    • Lightspark’s advanced technology streamlines Lightning Network access, offering low-cost BTC transfers.
    • The collaboration empowers Coinbase with reliable, scalable node infrastructure, driving global financial innovation.

    Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a strategic partnership with Lightspark to integrate the Bitcoin Lightning Network.

    The collaboration aims to revolutionize the way users conduct Bitcoin (BTC) transactions, offering them enhanced speed and cost-efficiency.

    Lightspark, in an exclusive blog post, revealed the culmination of their efforts spanning nearly two years to refine their platform as the premier gateway to the Lightning Network. With Coinbase onboard, clients can now enjoy seamless access to low-cost and almost real-time BTC transfers.

    Lightspark’s advanced technology, including its AI-driven smart engine “Lightspark Predict,” optimizes liquidity and routing for maximum efficiency.

    Coinbase to retain control over Lightning signing keys

    Through Lightspark’s remote-key validation implementation, Coinbase retains control over Lightning signing keys while Lightspark manages the node infrastructure. This ensures a reliable, scalable, and fully optimized node infrastructure for Coinbase users.

    Shan Aggarwal, Coinbase’s VP of Corporate & Business Development, expressed confidence in establishing a global financial ecosystem prioritizing efficiency and speed.

    The integration signifies a significant stride towards achieving this goal, opening doors to a multitude of payment-related use cases facilitated by Lightspark’s innovative solutions.

    Coinbase’s decision to integrate the Lightning Network comes at a time when Bitcoin’s scalability and transaction speed have become critical concerns. With transaction fees on the primary network rising, the Lightning Network offers a promising solution to alleviate congestion and reduce costs.

    The move aligns with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong’s vision, who previously highlighted the potential of Lightning Network integration.

    Founded in 2022 by David Marcus, Lightspark has garnered support from key industry players and investors, positioning itself as a frontrunner in Lightning Network solutions. The partnership with Coinbase further solidifies its standing in the market.

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  • Coinbase confirms plans of integrating the Lightning Network

    Coinbase confirms plans of integrating the Lightning Network

    coinbase to integrate lightning network
    • Coinbase says it will add support for the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
    • Cathie Wood praises the crypto exchange for the decision.
    • Coinbase shares are down nearly 30% versus their YTD high.

    Coinbase Global Inc has decided to integrate the Lightning Network that aims at making Bitcoin a viable option for faster and cheaper global payments.

    How long will the integration take?

    The crypto exchange had been exploring adding support for the Lightning Network since early August. On Wednesday, Brian Armstrong – its Chief Executive wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

    We’ve made decision to integrate Lightning. Bitcoin is most important asset in crypto and we’re excited to do our part to enable faster/cheaper Bitcoin transactions.

    He did not reveal how long the integration will likely take, though.

    The announcement arrives more than a month after Coinbase reported its financial results for the second quarter that handily topped Street estimates. At writing, shares of the crypto company are down close to 30% versus their year-to-date high.

    Cathie Wood thumbs up Coinbase for the decision

    Note that Coinbase Global is taking after Cash App – the mobile payment service of the California-based Block Inc. Reacting to its announcement today, Cathie Wood of Ark Invest wrote on X:

    Coinbase’s integration with Lightning will give its 100 million users an on-ramp to faster and cheaper bitcoin transactions. Hats off to Coinbase!

    Other notable names who have been vocal in their support for the Lightning Network include Michael Saylor – the Executive Chairman of MicroStrategy Inc.

    The former president of PayPal – David Marcus also reiterated commitment this week to turning Bitcoin into a global payments network (find out more). The price of a BTC is currently about 20% below its year-to-date high.



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  • Bitcoin’s Lightning Network capacity surges to all-time

    Bitcoin’s Lightning Network capacity surges to all-time

    • Lightning Network has reached over 5,490 in Bitcoin payments capacity, an all-time high.
    • Transactions in BTC on the layer-2 payments network have increased roughly 63% since January 2022.
    • The increased Bitcoin micropayments via Lightning Network comes as BTC price retreats below $23k after a great rally to start 2023.

    Lightning Network’s capacity in terms of Bitcoin across payment channels has hit a new all-time high, according to the latest data on usage for this major payment network.

    The Block Research shows the critical layer-2 network, which is built on Bitcoin, has seen its capacity grow to over 5,490 BTC. That’s nearly 160 BTC more than what was observed on 4 February 2023, according to details shared by Lightning Network statistics.

    Lightning Network capacity up 63% since January 2022

    The benefits of the Lightning Network technology, mainly around fast and low-cost micropayments, has increasingly attracted more people. According to the data, Lightning Network’s capacity in BTC terms is up approximately 63% since January 2022.

    Approximately 3,350 bitcoin was recorded in payment channels on the protocol on 1 January last year. From the figures, it’s clear that total network value has declined compared to when Bitcoin price hit an all-time high in November 2021. The value of current Lightning Network capacity in USD is around $128 million – down from more than $216 million when BTC raced to highs of $69,000.

    But as the on-chain metrics for the payment network’s daily usage shows, there has been continuous adoption even as the crypto winter saw crypto prices crash. Bitcoin is currently trading above $22,700 after a brief rally last week ended with bears mounting a wall near $24,000.

    According to data from CoinGecko, BTC price remains roughly 67% off the ATH of $69.044 reached on 10 November 2021. In comparison, (as noted above) LN capacity has increased 63% since January 2022. 

    Find out more about Lightning Network here.



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