Important Highlights
- In a few years, the Lightning Network could process $9 billion in stablecoin payments every day.
- Major players like Tether are now integrating stablecoins directly into Lightning.
- Over 700 million people already have access to Lightning-ready apps and platforms.
How We Transfer Money Is Being Silently Changed by Lightning Network
The Lightning Network might still be under the radar for many, but that could change very soon.
Built on top of Bitcoin, it’s designed to handle fast, low-cost payments and now, it’s moving into stablecoin territory.
By 2028, the Lightning Network may handle at least 5% of the world’s stablecoin volume, according to Graham Krizek, CEO of Bitcoin infrastructure startup Voltage.
That’s nearly $9 billion in daily transfers, based on today’s numbers.
It’s an ambitious forecast but not far-fetched. The world is moving toward faster, cheaper ways to move digital money.
And Lightning is already proving it can handle the job.
Lightning Network and Stablecoins: A Natural Match
Currently, there are not many stabecines on the lightening network. However, it has started changing.
Earlier this year, Tether, the world’s biggest stablecoin issuer, announced it was bringing USDT to Lightning. That’s a big deal.
It means one of the most widely used digital dollars is now usable on one of the fastest and cheapest networks in crypto.
Not long after, Lightning Labs rolled out Taproot Assets v0.6 an upgrade that lets developers issue and move stablecoins on Bitcoin using the Lightning Network.
Suddenly, Lightning isn’t just for Bitcoin anymore. It’s becoming a fast, borderless platform for stablecoins too.
Krizek put it simply:
“Stablecoins are just starting to come to Lightning… but growth will speed up fast in the second half of this year.”
Developers and Everyday Users Are Leading the Shift
This isn’t just a top-down trend. Much of the excitement around the Lightning Network is coming from the bottom up from developers building new apps and from everyday users who want faster, cheaper ways to send money.
More people are asking for it. Businesses are noticing. Take Cash App, for example.
It now sends 25% of its Bitcoin payments through Lightning. Why? Because it’s quicker, cheaper, and works.
According to Krizek, it won’t be long before instant settlement is the norm, not the exception.
The kind of speed we expect from Apple Pay or Google Pay is coming to crypto and Lightning is paving the way.
Institutions Are Getting Curious About Lightning
While individual users are already jumping in, institutions are starting to pay attention too.
Krizek says some traditional firms are exploring how the Lightning Network could help them move money more efficiently, manage liquidity better, and reduce things like chargebacks and counterparty risks.
Despite the early stage, there is sincere and increasing interest.
More companies will begin incorporating Lightning into their systems if they see how it may save expenses and save time.
Lightning Network Stats Tell a Bigger Story
At a glance, Lightning’s numbers might not look explosive but they tell a deeper story of maturity.
- 14,000 active nodes
- 44,800 payment channels
- 3,820 BTC locked into the network (roughly $448 million)
True, the network’s capacity is down about 23% since January.
But Krizek says that’s actually a good thing. Why? Because the network is becoming more efficient.
Instead of thousands of small, unused channels, now less, larger and more actively used.
Meanwhile, the user base is exploded. Over 700 million people now have access to Lightning powered wallets, neobanks, and exchanges double the number from last year.
Stablecoin Regulation Could Be the Real Growth Trigger
One factor that could exacerbate this trend is regulation.
The goal of proposed laws like the GENIUS Act in the US is to give stablecoins stability and regulation.
Users and institutions will feel more at ease using digital currencies if governments create a legal framework for them, especially on reliable, quick networks like Lightning.
Krizek believes this kind of regulatory clarity will only speed up adoption.
And platforms like Amboss are making it easier to track how quickly the network is growing.
The Bottom Line
Lightning network is no longer about bitcoin payment.
It’s quickly becoming one of the most promising platforms for stablecoin transactions worldwide.
With backing from major players like Tether, growing developer interest, and a massive increase in global access, Lightning is positioned to become a core part of the digital payments landscape.
Krizek’s prediction of 5% market share by 2028? Given how fast things are moving, it might arrive even sooner than expected.
