Blockstream Launches Trustless Bitcoin Swaps After Boltz Halts Operations

Blockstream launches trustless swaps bridging the main Bitcoin $BTC network with layer-2 solutions. The new Blockstream Swaps feature allows users to move funds across layers while maintaining full control over their assets. Users bypass the need to run a standard Lightning node or channel, instead holding a Bitcoin or Liquid LBTC balance that converts at the moment of payment. The release follows the suspension of non-custodial swap provider Boltz, which halted operations after AI-assisted attacks discovered vulnerabilities faster than its team could patch them. "This initiative was already under development to ensure a resilient suite of utility for the ecosystem, and it complements the providers already doing this work rather than replacing any one of them." — Blockstream Abstracting away node management is necessary for scaling, but rolling out bridge infrastructure right after a competitor gets taken down by automated exploits guarantees an immediate, brutal stress test.