SoFi has teamed up with Lightspark to launch a blockchain-powered international payments service inside its app. The system converts U.S. dollars into Bitcoin in real time, moves the funds through the Lightning Network using Universal Money Address (UMA) technology, and instantly changes it back into local currency for the recipient. Transfers will first be available to Mexico later this year, with plans to expand worldwide. This move comes as SoFi reintroduces crypto after halting trading in 2023 to secure its national banking license. With clearer regulations, the company now plans to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading again, along with future products like stablecoins, staking, and crypto-backed loans. Lightspark’s UMA system is key to the rollout, making money transfers faster, cheaper, and more secure . UMA works like an email address for money, allowing instant and simple cross-border payments even between different providers.
