Why Coinbase is Adding Bitcoin’s Lightning Network w/ Viktor Bunin
Sep 21, 2023
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Viktor Bunin, a cryptocurrency expert from Coinbase, discusses the value proposition of crypto, the future of crypto infrastructure, and why Coinbase is adding support for Bitcoin's Lightning Network. They also touch on the Fed's recent decision on interest rates and the impact on the market. The podcast explores the involvement of financial institutions in the staking market and the path to an open Internet of value. They also delve into the debate between permission blockchains and public blockchains, highlighting the potential of public blockchains like Ethereum for widespread adoption and network effects. Lastly, they reflect on the power imbalance between individuals and financial institutions and how crypto can shift the balance in favor of individuals.
Coinbase is adding support for Bitcoin's Lightning Network to offer retail users improved and efficient transactions.
Blockchain projects need to prioritize modular architectures to scale effectively and embrace layer 2 solutions like Lightning Network for off-chain transactions.
Crypto empowers individuals by shifting the balance of power from institutions, offering transparency, self-custody of assets, and the ability to opt out of traditional systems.
Deep dives
Coinbase to Integrate Lightning Network for Retail Support
Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced plans to integrate the Lightning Network. The Lightning Network is Bitcoin's layer 2 solution that enables fast and cheap transactions. This move comes as Coinbase aims to support the adoption of Bitcoin and further align itself with the mission of economic freedom. By integrating the Lightning Network, Coinbase will offer retail users the ability to deposit and withdraw funds using the Lightning Network, providing an improved and efficient user experience.
The Importance of Modular Design in Blockchain Scaling
As blockchain technology continues to evolve, the need for modular design becomes increasingly important. Victor Boonein, a protocol specialist at Coinbase, argues that blockchain projects need to prioritize modular architectures to scale effectively. Boonein suggests that the future of blockchain will require multiple layer 1 solutions competing to become strong money, while layer 2 solutions, such as Lightning Network, will handle off-chain transactions that provide fast and scalable solutions for daily transactions. Boonein notes that a billion transactions per second could be the future norm, and that current monolithic blockchains need to embrace a modular approach to keep up with scalability demands.
Crypto's Role in Shifting Power to Individuals
Victor Boonein also emphasizes the importance of crypto in shifting the balance of power from institutions to individuals. He believes that transparency and the ability to self-custody assets are crucial in empowering individuals and addressing the imbalance of power in financial systems. Boonein sees crypto as a means for individuals to opt out of traditional systems and hold institutions accountable, thus creating a more responsible and transparent governance structure. By providing the ability to opt out, crypto serves as a release valve that keeps power in check and promotes individual economic freedom.
The Journey Towards Lightning Network Integration
Victor Boonein shares his journey towards exploring Lightning Network integration at Coinbase. He highlights his involvement in the Lightning Network space since 2019 and the importance of continuous adoption, improved technology, and alignment with Coinbase's mission to support Bitcoin. The initial focus of Lightning Network integration at Coinbase will be on retail support, specifically enabling users to deposit and withdraw funds using the Lightning Network. This integration aims to provide users with faster and more efficient transactions, contributing to the overall growth and adoption of Lightning Network.
The Future of Layer 1 and Layer 2 Solutions
Victor Boonein discusses his perspective on the future of layer 1 and layer 2 solutions in the blockchain ecosystem. He argues that layer 1 solutions need to compete to be strong money, offering superior token functionality and value. Boonein also sees a modular future where layer 2 solutions handle the majority of transactions while layer 1 serves as the base layer for settlement and security. He envisions a world where transactions per second can reach a billion and believes that embracing modularity is crucial for scalability and accommodating future demands.
Alex talks with Viktor Bunin (Coinbase) about crypto’s value proposition, the future of crypto infrastructure, and why Coinbase is adding support for Bitcoin’s Lightning Network. Alex also talks with Beimnet Abebe (Galaxy Trading) about the Fed’s rage decision and markets.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
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