Lightning Network to Process $9B Stablecoin Volume by 2028

Voltage CEO Graham Krizek predicts the Bitcoin Layer-2 Lightning Network will handle at least 5% of global stablecoin volume—around $9 billion daily—by 2028. This forecast follows early integrations like Tether’s native USDT launch in January and Lightning Labs’ Taproot Assets v0.6 upgrade, which enables decentralized stablecoin trading. Despite a 23% drop in network capacity this year, Lightning now supports roughly 14,000 nodes, 44,800 channels, and 3,820 BTC ($448 million) in capacity, with larger average channels indicating greater capital efficiency. Krizek cites rising retail demand, active developer engagement, and growing institutional interest as primary adoption drivers. Platforms like Cash App already route 25% of Bitcoin payments through Lightning, and Voltage is building tools to integrate stablecoin functionality into wallets, targeting over 700 million users. Upcoming onboardings of major issuers such as Circle’s USDC and regulatory clarity under frameworks like the GENIUS Act are expected to accelerate volume growth through late 2025 and beyond. Traders should note Lightning Network’s fast, low-cost transaction infrastructure and expanding stablecoin ecosystem as factors that could drive increased on-chain activity, higher liquidity, and broader market participation in Bitcoin-based payments.