Yeliz Akmaca 
SoFi Technologies is set to become the first U.S. bank to integrate Bitcoin Lightning and Universal Money Address (UMA) solutions. The digital bank partnered with Lightspark to enable fast and low-cost cross-border transfers for users in the U.S., Mexico, and beyond.
SoFi announced a strategic partnership with Bitcoin payment infrastructure provider Lightspark. The company revealed the new service amid Bitcoin’s prominent price of $113,780. SoFi plans to launch the blockchain-powered money transfer service in Mexico later this year.
SoFi CEO Anthony Noto emphasized the convenience for members on the X platform. According to Noto, users will be able to make international transfers directly through the SoFi app. This service positions the bank strongly in the global money transfer market, which reached $740.5 billion in 2024.
SoFi + Lightspark = instant global payments. 🌍⚡
Send money abroad in seconds, right from the @sofi app, powered by UMA.
Coming soon for 🇺🇸→ 🇲🇽 with more countries to follow.
The future of global payments is here: https://t.co/MxAA5o9k2Z pic.twitter.com/GFVq4KhoxF
— Lightspark (@lightspark) August 19, 2025
New Transfer Model Supported by UMA
SoFi’s UMA-based solution allows users to convert U.S. dollars into Bitcoin in real-time. Funds are sent across borders via the Lightning Network, and recipients receive payments directly in their local currency. This provides significant advantages in both speed and cost.
Lightspark’s UMA system enables transfers using email-like addresses. Founded in 2022 by PayPal’s former president David Marcus, the company quickly established global partnerships. SoFi will show exchange rates and fees to users before confirming transactions, emphasizing that costs will be below the national average.
The service will be available 24/7 to SoFi’s 11.7 million members. Last year, Coinbase integrated Lightspark’s Bitcoin Lightning infrastructure. According to Coinbase, 15% of Bitcoin transactions occurred via the Lightning Network within 12 months.
Meanwhile, Brazilian digital bank Nubank also partnered with Lightspark in 2024, planning to offer Bitcoin payments to its 100 million customers. However, Nubank has not yet confirmed full service activation.
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