Secure Digital Markets (SDM) has set a striking new record on the Bitcoin Lightning Network. The company sent a sum of $1 million to crypto exchange Kraken on January 28, completing what it claims was the largest publicly known transaction on the network to date.
Bitcoin Lightning Network processes millions of dollars
The transfer took place via the Lightning Network and was completed in less than half a second. According to SDM, this shows that the network is no longer only suitable for micropayments, but also for large, professional transfers between regulated parties.
For the transaction, SDM used the technical infrastructure of Voltage, a specialist in managing Lightning nodes and providing sufficient liquidity. This also allows non-technical companies to use the network without in-depth knowledge of the system.
Record transaction highlights technological progress
Until now, the record for a single Lightning payment was around $140,000. The fact that the network could now easily process an amount of 1 million dollars is seen as an important step in the adoption of Bitcoin as a means of payment.
Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage, said the payment shows that Lightning meets all the core requirements for institutional use: speed, scalability and reliability.
Bitcoin Lightning is growing despite varying adoption
The record payment comes at a time when adoption of the Lightning Network has been erratic. Although the number of bitcoin in public Lightning channels declined earlier, it reached a new peak level at the end of 2025.
Still, Lightning usage remains small compared to Bitcoin’s overall market value. The network is mainly used for small amounts, but recent developments – such as this multi-million transfer – point to a change.
Crypto exchanges increase Lightning support
More and more trading platforms are showing interest in the network. Bitfinex recently increased the limits for Lightning deposits, giving users the ability to send larger amounts over the network.
According to Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether and technical director at Bitfinex, the network offers clear advantages: low transaction fees, high speed and less pressure on Bitcoin’s main network.
Major financial parties are also showing interest
In addition to stock exchanges, traditional institutions such as Fidelity are also closely monitoring developments. In a report, Fidelity Digital Assets concluded that Lightning increases the user-friendliness of Bitcoin and makes new applications possible.
Technology companies such as Blockstream are also investing in further scaling up the network, with an emphasis on stability and ease of use for business applications.
SDM’s record transaction marks a shift: Lightning is evolving from an experimental payment system to a serious infrastructure for large, fast Bitcoin transactions.
Source: https://newsbit.nl/sdm-verstuurt-1-miljoen-dollar-via-bitcoin-lightning-network-in-recordtransactie/
