Bitcoin News Today: SoFi Integrates Bitcoin Lightning for Instant Low-Cost Global Transfers

SoFi Technologies, a leading U.S. digital bank, is set to become the first U.S. financial institution to integrate the Bitcoin Lightning Network and Universal Money Addresses (UMAs) for international money transfers. The service, developed in collaboration with crypto infrastructure provider Lightspark, will allow customers to convert U.S. dollars into Bitcoin in real-time and send funds across borders instantaneously and at low cost, bypassing traditional banking delays [1]. The new offering is expected to launch in Mexico before expanding to additional countries.

According to SoFi CEO Anthony Noto, the initiative is designed to improve the financial lives of SoFi members who frequently send money abroad, particularly to loved ones in emerging markets. The company said the service will be available 24/7 for its 11.7 million members, with transparent exchange rates and fees displayed before each transaction [2]. Recipients will receive the funds directly in their local currency, deposited into their bank accounts without the need to convert Bitcoin back to fiat [3].

The integration of Lightning Network technology addresses a key limitation of Bitcoin—its high fees and slower settlement times—by using a second-layer solution that enables near-instant, low-cost transactions [4]. This move positions SoFi as a pioneer in leveraging blockchain for mainstream financial services, especially in the competitive global remittance market, which reached $740.5 billion in 2024 [5].

SoFi's partnership with Lightspark builds on the infrastructure firm’s growing presence in the crypto payments sector. Lightspark, co-founded by former PayPal president David Marcus in 2022, has previously partnered with Coinbase, which saw strong adoption of its Lightning-based solution, with 15% of Bitcoin transactions moving through the network in the first year [6]. The firm is also working with Brazilian neobank Nubank, though the latter has yet to confirm full integration [7].

By launching this service ahead of traditional banks, SoFi is reinforcing its role as a fintech innovator, extending its offerings beyond lending and investing into global payments [8]. The company aims to provide a scalable, user-friendly solution that meets the needs of a global customer base while fostering greater financial inclusion.

This development reflects a broader trend among fintechs and neobanks to adopt blockchain-based solutions for faster, more transparent, and cost-effective financial services. SoFi’s integration of Bitcoin Lightning and UMA represents a strategic step toward a more interconnected and efficient global financial ecosystem [9].

Source:

[1] Cointelegraph - https://cointelegraph.com/news/sofi-set-first-us-bank-leveraging-bitcoin-lightning

[2] Morningstar - https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250819638580/sofi-partners-with-lightspark-to-power-blockchain-enabled-international-money-transfers

[3] AInvest - https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-sofi-integrates-bitcoin-lightning-cost-global-transfers-2508/

[4] Yahoo - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sofi-taps-bitcoin-lightning-network-145323762.html

[5] CoinDesk - https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/08/19/sofi-taps-bitcoin-lightning-network-for-global-remittances-with-lightspark

[6] Thecryptobasic.com - https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/19/sofi-launches-low-cost-global-remittances-using-bitcoin-lightning-network/

[7] PYMNTS.com - https://www.pymnts.com/blockchain/2025/sofi-and-lightspark-team-on-blockchain-powered-remittances/

[8] AInvest - https://www.ainvest.com/news/sofi-introduces-global-money-transfer-service-fees-faster-delivery-2508-67/