Lightning Network

BitGo has added Lightning Network support to its qualified custody platform in New York, letting institutional clients make significantly faster and cheaper Bitcoin payments directly from custody. The integration aims to combine Layer 2 payment speed with a regulated custody environment.

Tether led an $8 million funding round for Speed1, Inc., announced December 16, 2025, to expand payment rails using the Lightning Network and stablecoins. The move signals a push to scale faster, low-fee crypto payments worldwide.

Lightning Network capacity rose to a record 5,606 BTC (roughly $500M), with Amboss data showing a slightly higher peak of 5,637 BTC. Exchanges are credited with driving the jump by adding channels and routing liquidity.

Cash App rolled out a major update adding Bitcoin Lightning payments and stablecoin transfers to make digital money faster and cheaper to use, the company announced Thursday.

Cash App's latest update enables bitcoin payments over the Lightning Network and introduces stablecoin payment options, expanding crypto payment capabilities for users and merchants. The move aims to speed up transactions and lower costs while broadening fiat-linked crypto use in everyday payments.

Cash App now lets users send dollar cash balances directly to Bitcoin wallets over the Lightning Network, enabling merchants to receive BTC while customers pay with fiat. The move reduces checkout friction and could accelerate Lightning adoption for everyday commerce.

Cash App will route fiat customer payments through the Lightning Network so merchants can receive BTC while buyers pay in dollars. The move aims to simplify merchant adoption of Bitcoin and speed settlement.

Cash App will let customers pay in dollars while routing transactions over the Lightning Network so merchants receive Bitcoin, aiming to speed settlement and cut fees.