Blockstream
Bitcoin and crypto-asset infrastructure technology company
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About Blockstream
Blockstream is a Bitcoin infrastructure company focused on layer-2 and sidechain technologies. Its main businesses include Liquid, a federated sidechain for fast, confidential Bitcoin transfers and asset issuance; c-lightning, a Lightning Network implementation for instant low-cost payments; Blockstream Swaps, a trustless cross-layer exchange tool; satellite broadcasting for blockchain data; and Jade hardware wallets.
Its core strength lies in deep technical expertise across Bitcoin protocol layers, addressing pain points such as slow settlement, high fees, limited privacy, and scalability constraints on the base chain. Liquid serves institutional users needing faster settlement and confidential transactions, while Lightning enables everyday micro-payments.
In the past six months, Blockstream launched Blockstream Swaps in August 2026, enabling trustless transfers between the main chain and Lightning without running nodes, partly in response to Boltz's service pause after AI-assisted attacks. However, in September 2026, approximately 4,000 BTC were withdrawn from Liquid's federation reserves, forcing a temporary network halt. Blockstream later engaged with the attacker, who communicated via OP_RETURN messages and PGP encryption, promising to return most funds after a bug patch and node upgrades. The incident raised concerns about federated sidechain security models, though the company is working toward resolution.
Blockstream proposed a hash-based signature scheme to counter quantum computing threats, bolstering Bitcoin's long-term security.
The firm strategically acquired Numeus's digital asset trading division to expand into BTC derivatives and purchased Corbiere Capital to enter traditional finance.
It also plans to launch its Blockstream Swaps service, currently in beta testing.
Blockstream delivered major milestones in the past half year.
First, it deployed post-quantum signature verification (SHRINCS) on Liquid mainnet in March 2026, marking the first quantum-resistant transaction signing on a Bitcoin sidechain. It also enabled the first hardware-wallet-secured Lightning payments.
Second, the company proposed OP_CHECKSHRINCS as a future Bitcoin opcode, and expanded its Jade hardware wallet lineup into three models (Classic, Core, Plus).
Third, the Liquid roadmap was published, prioritizing 0-conf transactions, ELIP 203 (removing the 21M asset issuance cap), AMP2 (asset management platform), and a BitVM-style 1-of-n bridge. Core Lightning shipped v26.04 and v26.06, with splicing graduated and xdefault payment handler.
Looking ahead, Blockstream focuses on quantum readiness (SHRINCS, Simplicity), Liquid adoption (0-conf, ELIP 203, AMP2), and institutional-grade infrastructure (Explorer API rate limiting, enterprise custody).