L2 Scaling Challenges May Undermine Ethereum and Bitcoin’s Long-Term Security

Ethereum and Bitcoin, two of the world’s largest blockchains, are facing significant challenges in scaling their networks. As more users and transactions move to layer two (L2) solutions, these systems could undermine the security and sustainability of the base layer (L1), with fees and rewards for miners and validators dwindling. Growing L2 Adoption Raises Concerns … Read more

Lightning Network-Focused Startup Lightspark Sets Its Sights on Latam

Lightspark hopes to enter Latin America’s cryptocurrency market through its partners in the region, including exchanges like Bitso and fintech institutions like Nubank. Nicolas Cabrera, Lightspark’s vice president of product, explained that the company will focus on targeting Latin America’s remittances and cross-border payments market, using its products to streamline these processes. Lightspark Aims to … Read more

Bitcoin’s Role in Defi Evolves: CMC Research and Footprint Analytics Report

Coinmarketcap (CMC) Research and Footprint Analytics have released a thorough report exploring the swift expansion of decentralized finance (defi) on the Bitcoin blockchain. The report delves into Bitcoin’s evolving role, driven by innovations that are redefining its potential within the defi space. Bitcoin’s Defi Ecosystem Grows: $1.07 Billion Locked According to the findings from the … Read more

HTX Integrates Lightning Network for Faster Bitcoin Payments

HTX has announced the integration of Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, a second-layer payments protocol designed to facilitate faster and cheaper transactions. This move aims to enhance the efficiency of Bitcoin payments and withdrawals on the platform, significantly reducing transaction times and costs. The integration is part of a strategic partnership with IBEX, a fintech company specializing … Read more

Lightspark Presents Solution Linking Lightning Network Payments to Bank Accounts in the U.S.

Lightspark, a Bitcoin Lightning Network financial services company, has announced the release of its UMA Extend feature, which focuses on increasing the interaction between crypto and legacy rails in the U.S. With UMA Extend, businesses can opt in for a direction that can be linked to an account, allowing them to instantly receive LN payments … Read more

Lightning Network Protocol Stacks Completes Nakamoto Upgrade With Defi Features

The Bitcoin Lightning Network’s Stacks protocol has completed its Nakamoto upgrade, finalizing a series of enhancements that began in April 2024. This latest phase, delivered on August 28, 2024, introduces stronger transaction finality guarantees, reduces miner extractable value (MEV) opportunities, and improves network resilience. Additionally, the upgrade prepares the network for the introduction of sbtc, … Read more

Tim Draper Leads $2.5 Million Funding Round for Ark Labs to Advance Bitcoin Payment Solutions

Ark Labs has secured $2.5 million in pre-seed funding led by Tim Draper, aimed at advancing the Ark protocol for simplifying bitcoin payments. This funding will help Ark Labs enhance their user-friendly, non-custodial payment system, making bitcoin more accessible for global commerce. Ark Labs Raises $2.5M to Simplify Bitcoin Payments Ark Labs announced on Thursday … Read more

Decentralized Bitcoin Exchange Bisq 2 Adds Support for Lightning Network

Bisq 2, the decentralized Bitcoin exchange, has announced the integration of the Lightning Network in its latest release, version 2.1.0. This update introduces faster and cheaper transactions, leveraging the Lightning Network’s off-chain capabilities. Alongside this, Bisq 2.1.0 also features a QR code scanner for easier address and invoice input, enhanced chat functionalities, and improved user … Read more