Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has successfully integrated the Bitcoin Lightning Network on its platform, offering its users the option to use the layer-2 scaling solution for BTC withdrawals and deposits.
This move comes as Binance seeks to enhance transaction speed and reduce costs amid a surge in Bitcoin network gas fees.
The Lightning Network allows users to create off-chain transaction channels, making Bitcoin transactions faster and more cost-effective.
In a recent blog post on July 17, Binance confirmed the completion of its Lightning Network integration, offering users the ability to choose “LIGHTNING” as an option for BTC withdrawals and deposits.
Alongside the Lightning Network option, users can still choose from other available options, such as BNB Smart Chain (BEP-20), BNB Beacon Chain (BEP2), BTC (SegWit), and Ethereum ERC-20.
Binance’s decision to integrate the Lightning Network was triggered by a surge in Bitcoin network gas fees, which led to a temporary pause in BTC withdrawals.
The rising transaction fees were attributed to the creation of memecoins in the form of BRC-20 tokens, a new token standard on the Bitcoin network.
The integration of the Lightning Network aims to alleviate these issues and offer users faster and more cost-effective transactions.
With the successful integration, Binance becomes one of the prominent exchanges, including Bitfinex, River Financial, OKX, Kraken, and CoinCorner, to embrace the Lightning Network.
The increasing adoption of this layer-2 scaling solution indicates the growing recognition of its potential benefits in the cryptocurrency space.
Notably, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong had previously expressed his intention to integrate the Bitcoin Lightning Network on Coinbase in April. However, no specific timeline has been provided for its implementation.
The Lightning Network’s main objective is to enhance the speed and reduce the cost of Bitcoin transactions by enabling users to create off-chain transaction channels.
This innovative layer-2 solution holds promise for improving the overall efficiency and scalability of the Bitcoin network.
