Blockstream Swaps enters beta, enabling trustless atomic swaps across Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning networks.
Tech & Launches ·
Blockstream has launched Swaps into beta, enabling trustless atomic swaps across Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning networks. The service uses atomic settlement to execute direct token exchanges without a custodian holding assets at any point during the trade—both legs of the transaction either complete together or neither executes.
Atomic swaps employ hash time-locked contracts to link transactions across separate blockchains, solving the core challenge of moving value between entirely different networks without requiring wrapped assets or intermediaries. This mechanism allows users to exchange native assets directly, sidestepping the custody risks inherent in bridge protocols and centralized exchange services.
The beta status leaves open questions about timeline to full release, fee structure, supported asset pairs beyond the three networks named, and user experience details. No information on transaction volume, performance benchmarks, or competitive positioning relative to existing cross-chain swap solutions has been disclosed.