Blockstream launches beta swap service for Bitcoin layers

Blockstream has launched Blockstream Swaps in beta, a trustless service designed to facilitate the movement of funds between Bitcoin’s mainchain, the Lightning Network, and the Liquid Network. The service utilizes Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs) to perform atomic swaps, ensuring that trades either complete fully or return funds to their original owners without an intermediary holding the assets.

The launch follows the recent suspension of operations by Boltz, a prominent swap service that went offline in early August following a series of AI-directed attacks. While Blockstream’s new tool addresses a gap in the ecosystem’s cross-layer infrastructure, the company stated it is not seeking to replace existing providers, but rather aims to improve redundancy and resilience within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Blockstream Swaps enables submarine swaps, allowing users to convert on-chain BTC into Liquid Bitcoin (LBTC) and route payments through the Lightning Network. The service is currently in a beta phase, with interested users directed to request access.