Key Notes
- SoFi’s worldwide transfers convert USD to Bitcoin, utilizing the Lightning Community for real-time world remittances.
- Service begins in Mexico later this 12 months, with clear charges, 24/7 entry, and phased growth to new markets.
- SoFi is working to supply crypto providers from 2023, and now, with the brand new crypto-friendly laws, it’s launching in 2025.
SoFi Applied sciences (NASDAQ: SOFI) introduced it’ll introduce a blockchain-powered worldwide cash switch service later this 12 months, making it one of many first US banks to leverage the Bitcoin Lightning Network for cross-border remittances.
According to the announcement, the service is powered by Lightspark’s Common Cash Tackle (UMA) know-how, which makes use of Bitcoin infrastructure to allow immediate, low-cost transfers straight from the SoFi app. Members will have the ability to ship funds to worldwide locations, beginning with Mexico, at charges beneath the present US nationwide common. Extra vacation spot international locations are set to affix shortly after the preliminary roll-out.
We’ve partnered with @lightspark to launch our new worldwide cash switch service! With this partnership, SoFi will likely be one of many first U.S. banks to supply a blockchain-powered world remittance functionality, making it sooner, cheaper, and extra clear for our members to…
— SoFi (@SoFi) August 19, 2025
How the Bitcoin Lightning Community Powers SoFi Transfers
By integrating UMA know-how into its platform, SoFi presents transfers the place funds are transformed from US {dollars} to Bitcoin in real-time, routed utilizing the Lightning Community, after which immediately exchanged into the recipient’s native forex.
This course of goals to decrease prices and velocity up supply, offering a clear expertise the place charges and charges are displayed upfront. Transfers will likely be accessible 24/7 inside the SoFi app and don’t require exterior providers or third-party functions.
SoFi’s CEO, Anthony Noto, referred to as the launch a big step in the direction of using blockchain to enhance its customers’ monetary lives. He highlighted each the demand evidenced by buyer curiosity and the push for extra inclusive cash motion, noting that for a lot of customers, environment friendly and cheap worldwide remittances are important.
“For a lot of SoFi members who frequently ship cash to family members internationally, the power to shortly switch cash at low value isn’t only a comfort, it’s a significant enchancment to their on a regular basis monetary lives,” Noto stated.
Lightspark CEO David Marcus underlined that open networks like Bitcoin present the infrastructure for quick, inexpensive, and safe world cash transfers, with SoFi rising as a key accomplice on this pattern. The service is a part of a phased launch, starting with Mexico and increasing globally.
David Marcus was very well-known when he was main the crypto initiative of Meta, and his departure from the company in 2021. Later, in 2022, he revealed plans to construct a brand new crypto startup that may develop Bitcoin Network technology. Then, in 2023, he was launching monetary merchandise for companies based on the Bitcoin Lightning Network, essentially the most well-known layer 2 know-how of Bitcoin.
SoFi Restarts Crypto Companies After 2-Yr Regulatory Pause
Regardless of the relaunch of crypto services, SoFi’s inventory noticed a pointy drop on August 19, 2025, buying and selling down by over 6%, according to Yahoo Finance, reaching a brand new 52-week low of $22.80, as all of the markets had a nasty day attributable to geopolitical uncertainty.
The net banking platform has been engaged on crypto merchandise since 2023, however because of the regulatory uncertainty within the US, it paused all its plans. Till June 2025, when they restarted their crypto trading services, they adopted the brand new crypto-friendly laws within the nation. Additionally, with Lightspark, they may launch extra crypto providers for his or her customers.
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is dedicated to offering unbiased and clear reporting. This text goals to ship correct and well timed info however shouldn’t be taken as monetary or funding recommendation. Since market circumstances can change quickly, we encourage you to confirm info by yourself and seek the advice of with knowledgeable earlier than making any choices based mostly on this content material.
José Rafael Peña Gholam is a cryptocurrency journalist and editor with 9 years of expertise within the trade. He wrote at high shops like CriptoNoticias, BeInCrypto, and CoinDesk. Specializing in Bitcoin, blockchain, and Web3, he creates information, evaluation, and academic content material for world audiences in each Spanish and English.
