Lightspark Teams Up with Cross River Bank for Fiat Payments via Bitcoin
The Defiant
by Denis OmelchenkoFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Lightspark, a Bitcoin Lightning Network startup led by former Meta executive David Marcus, has partnered with Cross River Bank to enable real-time settlement of Bitcoin transactions via the U.S. banking system. This collaboration allows for instant conversions of Bitcoin into fiat currency, streamlining the payment process and enhancing accessibility within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The partnership underscores Lightspark's mission to integrate Bitcoin into everyday financial activities rather than solely as a long-term investment or store of value. By leveraging Cross River Bank, a well-established, FDIC-insured institution with a history of supporting crypto firms like Circle and Coinbase, Lightspark aims to provide a reliable and efficient bridge between cryptocurrency and traditional banking infrastructure.
This move is significant for the DeFi and Web3 communities as it addresses one of the key challenges in mainstream adoption: usability. By offering 24/7 settlement capabilities, Lightspark and Cross River Bank are poised to accelerate the adoption of Bitcoin for everyday transactions, making crypto more accessible and practical for a broader audience.
The integration with FedNow, the U.S. banking system's real-time payment network, further enhances this initiative by ensuring rapid and secure transactions. This advancement not only supports the growth of decentralized financial systems but also reinforces the role of traditional banks in facilitating innovation within the cryptocurrency space.
For readers interested in crypto, particularly those focused on DeFi and Web3, this partnership highlights the potential for seamless integration between blockchain technologies and established financial systems. It marks a step towards making Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies more integral to everyday financial operations, offering both convenience and reliability.
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Originally published on The Defiant on 2/20/2026