Blockstream Launches Swap Service Following Boltz Shutdown

The Blockstream Swaps service facilitates transfers between Bitcoin, the Lightning Network, and the Liquid sidechain. While the company stated the project was already under development prior to the Boltz shutdown, the recent industry disruption prompted an expedited rollout. Blockstream clarified that the tool is not intended to replace existing providers but rather to add redundancy and resilience to the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Boltz maintained that its self-custodial architecture ensured user funds remained secure throughout the exploitation period, with refund mechanisms functioning despite the suspension of standard swap operations. The shutdown impacted several dependent services, including Bull Bitcoin, Aqua, and ZEUS. Blockstream’s implementation utilizes atomic swaps, allowing users to exchange assets without relying on a trusted intermediary. The system supports submarine swaps for moving funds into Lightning, reverse submarine swaps for returning funds to the mainnet or Liquid, and chain swaps for direct BTC-to-LBTC exchanges. By integrating this service, Blockstream aims to lower the barrier for users who wish to interact with Lightning without the technical overhead of managing direct channels and inbound liquidity.