What is a Bitcoin Submarine Swap? The Ultimate Guide to Enhancing Bitcoin’s Scalability and Efficiency

In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin stands as the pioneering digital currency that introduced the world to the concept of decentralized finance. Since its inception, Bitcoin has not only become a household name but has also paved the way for the development of thousands of other cryptocurrencies. However, as the network grew in popularity, it faced significant challenges, particularly in terms of scalability and transaction fees. The Bitcoin blockchain, with its inherent design to enhance security and decentralization, could only process a limited number of transactions per block, leading to slower transaction times and higher fees during peak usage periods.

Enter the Lightning Network, a second-layer solution built atop the Bitcoin blockchain, designed to address these very challenges. The Lightning Network facilitates instant, near-zero fee transactions by allowing users to create payment channels between any two parties on that extra layer. These channels can exist for as long as needed, and transactions within them are not broadcast to the blockchain until the channel is closed. This approach significantly reduces the burden on the main blockchain, thereby increasing transaction speed and reducing costs.

Despite the innovative solutions provided by the Lightning Network, transitioning funds between the Bitcoin blockchain (on-chain) and the Lightning Network (off-chain) presented new hurdles. This is where Bitcoin Submarine Swaps come into play. Submarine Swaps are a novel mechanism that allows users to seamlessly transfer funds between on-chain and off-chain environments without the need to close or open payment channels. This is achieved through the use of Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs), which ensure that the transactions are secure and trustless.

Submarine Swaps represent a critical development in the Bitcoin ecosystem, offering a bridge that connects the robust security and widespread adoption of the Bitcoin blockchain with the speed and efficiency of the Lightning Network. By enabling easier movement of funds across these two layers, Submarine Swaps not only enhance the functionality and user experience of Bitcoin transactions but also further the cryptocurrency’s goal of providing a scalable, efficient, and decentralized financial system.

Understanding Bitcoin Transactions

Bitcoin transactions are the lifeblood of the cryptocurrency’s network, facilitating the transfer of value between participants. These transactions can be broadly categorized into two types: on-chain and off-chain. Understanding the distinction between these two types of transactions is crucial for grasping the operational dynamics of the Bitcoin ecosystem and the solutions developed to address its scalability challenges.

On-Chain Transactions

On-chain transactions occur directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. Each transaction is verified by network participants, known as miners, and then added to a block in the blockchain. This process ensures the security and immutability of transactions, as once a transaction is recorded in a block and appended to the chain, altering it would require an immense amount of computational power to redo the work of subsequent blocks.

However, the Bitcoin blockchain is designed to add a new block approximately every 10 minutes, and each block has a size limit, which restricts the number of transactions that can be processed in a given timeframe. This design, while enhancing security by making the network more resistant to attacks, introduces two significant challenges:

1. Scalability: The Bitcoin network can handle only a limited number of transactions per second (tps), significantly lower than traditional payment networks like Visa. This limitation has led to concerns about Bitcoin’s ability to scale and serve as a global payment system.
2. Transaction Fees: When the network becomes congested with transactions waiting to be confirmed, users can opt to pay higher fees to prioritize their transactions. During peak times, this can lead to a significant increase in transaction costs, making small transactions economically unviable.

Off-Chain Transactions

To address these challenges, off-chain transactions were introduced as a solution. Off-chain transactions occur outside the Bitcoin blockchain, on a second layer, such as the Lightning Network. These transactions do not require the immediate, individual verification by the blockchain, allowing for instant transfers with minimal or no fees. The Lightning Network, for example, enables users to open payment channels between each other for the duration of their interaction. Within these channels, an unlimited number of transactions can occur, and only the final state of the channel (the net result of all transactions) is recorded on the blockchain when the channel is closed.

Off-chain transactions offer a promising solution to Bitcoin’s scalability issue by significantly increasing the network’s capacity to handle transactions. They also reduce the burden on the main blockchain, leading to lower transaction fees and faster processing times. However, transitioning funds between the on-chain and off-chain environments introduces new complexities, necessitating innovative solutions like Submarine Swaps to ensure seamless interoperability.

The distinction between on-chain and off-chain transactions highlights the innovative approaches being developed to overcome Bitcoin’s scalability and transaction fee challenges. While on-chain transactions provide the security and decentralization fundamental to Bitcoin, off-chain transactions offer the scalability and efficiency necessary for the cryptocurrency to function as a practical, everyday payment system. Submarine Swaps play a crucial role in bridging these two worlds, ensuring that users can enjoy the best of both without compromising on security, speed, or cost.

The Lightning Network Explained

The Lightning Network represents a pivotal innovation in the realm of Bitcoin, acting as a layer 2 protocol that operates on top of the Bitcoin blockchain. This network is designed to address two of the most pressing issues faced by Bitcoin: scalability and high transaction fees. By enabling instant, low-cost transactions, the Lightning Network opens up new possibilities for Bitcoin to be used as a medium for daily transactions, not just as a store of value.

Overview of the Lightning Network as a Layer 2 Solution

The Lightning Network is essentially a network of payment channels that allow for transactions to occur off the main Bitcoin blockchain. These channels are established between two parties who wish to transact with each other multiple times, enabling them to conduct an unlimited number of transactions without the need to broadcast each one to the blockchain. Only two transactions are recorded on the blockchain: one to open the channel and another to close it. The state of the channel—representing the net result of all transactions conducted—is updated with each transaction, but these updates are stored off-chain.

This mechanism significantly reduces the burden on the Bitcoin blockchain, as it no longer needs to process and store every individual transaction. Instead, the blockchain only records the opening and closing of channels, with the vast majority of transactions happening privately between parties in a secure and trustless manner.

How the Lightning Network Enhances Bitcoin’s Scalability

The Lightning Network enhances Bitcoin’s scalability in several key ways:

1. Increased Transaction Throughput: By moving transactions off-chain, the Lightning Network allows for a virtually unlimited number of transactions to occur simultaneously. This drastically increases Bitcoin’s transaction throughput, from the handful of transactions per second possible on the blockchain to thousands or even millions of transactions per second on the Lightning Network.
2. Reduced Transaction Fees: Transactions on the Lightning Network are settled between parties without the need for miner verification, which eliminates the need for transaction fees that are required to incentivize miners on the blockchain. While there may be minimal fees for using certain channels on the Lightning Network, these are significantly lower than on-chain transaction fees, especially during times of high network congestion.
3. Instant Transactions: Transactions on the Lightning Network are settled almost instantly, providing a user experience that is more in line with traditional electronic payment systems. This is a stark contrast to the potential delays on the Bitcoin blockchain, where transactions can take anywhere from minutes to hours to be confirmed, depending on network congestion and transaction fees.
4. Enhanced Privacy: Since transactions on the Lightning Network are not broadcast to the entire network and only the opening and closing of channels are recorded on the blockchain, users enjoy a greater degree of privacy. This is particularly appealing for everyday transactions, where users may not want the details of every purchase to be publicly recorded on the blockchain.

The Lightning Network represents a significant leap forward in making Bitcoin a more viable and efficient medium for daily transactions. By addressing the scalability and high transaction fee challenges of the Bitcoin blockchain, the Lightning Network not only enhances the functionality of Bitcoin but also broadens its potential use cases. As adoption of the Lightning Network grows, it is poised to play a crucial role in the evolution of Bitcoin, enabling it to compete more effectively with traditional payment systems while maintaining its core principles of decentralization and security.

The Role of Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs)

Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs) are a critical component in the infrastructure of modern cryptocurrency transactions, particularly in facilitating secure, trustless exchanges across different blockchain protocols and within layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network. HTLCs embody a set of conditional clauses for cryptocurrency transactions, which must be met before a transaction can be completed. These conditions typically involve the revelation of a cryptographic proof (a preimage of a hash) within a specific timeframe. The dual requirements of a hash lock and a time lock ensure that transactions are securely and efficiently processed, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the scalability and interoperability of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Detailed Explanation of HTLCs

An HTLC involves two primary components: a hash lock and a time lock. The hash lock requires the payment receiver to generate a cryptographic proof of payment, known as a preimage, which is a random piece of data that has been hashed. The sender of the payment locks the transaction with the hash of this preimage. For the receiver to claim the funds, they must reveal the preimage, proving that they are the intended recipient of the transaction.

The time lock component adds another layer of security by specifying a time frame within which the receiver must claim the payment by revealing the preimage. If the receiver fails to do so within the allotted time, the transaction is voided, and the funds are returned to the sender. This mechanism prevents the indefinite locking of funds in the event that a receiver cannot or chooses not to fulfill the transaction’s conditions.

The Importance of HTLCs in Cryptocurrency Transactions

HTLCs are instrumental in facilitating secure and trustless cross-chain (or off-chain) transactions, a process often referred to as atomic swaps. These are direct peer-to-peer exchanges of cryptocurrencies between different blockchains or layers without the need for a trusted third party, such as an exchange. HTLCs ensure that either both parties fulfill their end of the deal simultaneously, or the transaction is canceled, and the funds are returned to their original owners. This significantly reduces counterparty risk and enhances the security of decentralized exchanges.

The Function of HTLCs in the Lightning Network

Within the Lightning Network, HTLCs are used to route payments across multiple payment channels, enabling transactions between parties that do not have a direct channel established between them. This is achieved through a network of nodes, with HTLCs ensuring that the transaction can securely hop from one node to another until it reaches its final destination. The use of HTLCs allows the Lightning Network to maintain its trustless nature, as the funds are only transferred if the conditions of the HTLCs are met at every step of the route.

HTLCs and Submarine Swaps

Submarine swaps leverage HTLCs to enable the seamless transfer of funds between on-chain and off-chain environments. For instance, a user can send funds from their on-chain Bitcoin wallet to an off-chain Lightning Network channel (or vice versa) without the need for direct channel connectivity. HTLCs ensure that the off-chain recipient can only claim the on-chain funds by revealing the preimage within a specified time frame, thereby maintaining the security and trustlessness of the transaction.

HTLCs represent a cornerstone technology in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, enabling a wide range of functionalities from atomic swaps to complex routing mechanisms within the Lightning Network. By providing a secure and trustless method for conducting transactions across different blockchains and layers, HTLCs significantly contribute to the scalability, interoperability, and overall utility of cryptocurrencies. Their role in facilitating innovations like submarine swaps further underscores the importance of HTLCs in the ongoing evolution of the digital currency landscape.

What Are Bitcoin Submarine Swaps?

Bitcoin Submarine Swaps represent a sophisticated mechanism designed to bridge the gap between on-chain and off-chain Bitcoin transactions, enhancing the fluidity and versatility of Bitcoin as a digital currency. These swaps are a testament to the innovative solutions being developed within the cryptocurrency ecosystem to address the inherent limitations of blockchain technology, particularly regarding scalability and transaction efficiency.

Definition and Basic Concept of Submarine Swaps

At its core, a Submarine Swap is a type of transaction that allows users to seamlessly convert on-chain funds to off-chain funds and vice versa. This is particularly useful for users of the Lightning Network, a second-layer solution built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain designed to enable faster and more cost-effective transactions. Submarine Swaps utilize Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs) to ensure that these cross-layer transactions are executed securely and trustlessly.

The basic concept behind a Submarine Swap involves two key steps: locking the funds on one layer (either on-chain or off-chain) using a HTLC, and then unlocking them on the other layer once certain conditions are met. These conditions typically involve the revelation of a secret preimage by the recipient within a specified time frame. If the conditions are fulfilled, the transaction proceeds, effectively transferring the funds across layers. If not, the funds are returned to the sender, ensuring that neither party is at risk of losing their assets.

The Origin and Development of Submarine Swaps in the Bitcoin Ecosystem

The concept of Submarine Swaps emerged as a response to the challenges faced by the Bitcoin network in terms of scalability and the efficient use of the Lightning Network. As the Lightning Network began to gain traction as a viable solution for Bitcoin’s scalability issues, the need for a mechanism to facilitate smooth transitions between the Bitcoin blockchain and the Lightning Network became increasingly apparent.

Submarine Swaps were conceptualized and developed by members of the Bitcoin community who recognized the potential of HTLCs to enable secure and trustless cross-layer transactions. The development of Submarine Swaps was driven by the broader goal of enhancing the usability and functionality of Bitcoin, particularly for users looking to leverage the speed and low transaction costs offered by the Lightning Network.

The introduction of Submarine Swaps marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the Bitcoin ecosystem, offering users greater flexibility in how they manage their funds. By enabling the movement of funds between the on-chain environment of the Bitcoin blockchain and the off-chain environment of the Lightning Network, Submarine Swaps have played a crucial role in promoting the adoption and use of the Lightning Network. They have also contributed to the ongoing efforts to overcome the technical challenges associated with blockchain technology, further solidifying Bitcoin’s position as the leading cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin Submarine Swaps are a prime example of the innovative spirit that characterizes the cryptocurrency community. By leveraging the security and trustlessness of HTLCs, Submarine Swaps provide a vital link between the foundational technology of the Bitcoin blockchain and the advanced capabilities of the Lightning Network. As the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve, mechanisms like Submarine Swaps will be instrumental in ensuring that Bitcoin remains at the forefront of the digital currency revolution, offering users a secure, efficient, and versatile platform for managing their digital assets.

How Do Submarine Swaps Work?

Submarine Swaps represent a groundbreaking mechanism within the Bitcoin ecosystem, allowing for seamless transitions between on-chain and off-chain transactions. This process is instrumental in leveraging the strengths of both the Bitcoin blockchain and the Lightning Network, ensuring users can enjoy the benefits of fast, low-cost transactions without sacrificing the security and decentralization of the main blockchain. Here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown of how Submarine Swaps work, highlighting the critical role of Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs) in this innovative process.

Step 1: Generating a Bitcoin Smart Contract

The first step in initiating a Submarine Swap involves creating a Bitcoin smart contract. This contract is essentially a special type of transaction on the Bitcoin blockchain that is locked using a hash of a secret, known as a preimage, and a time lock. The smart contract stipulates that the funds can only be claimed if the recipient can provide the correct preimage within a specified time frame. This ensures that the transaction is secure and that the funds cannot be accessed by unauthorized parties.

1. Locking the Funds: The sender locks the funds intended for the swap in the smart contract. This action sets the stage for the off-chain part of the transaction, ensuring that the funds are safely held until the conditions of the HTLC are met.

Step 2: Generating and Paying a Lightning Invoice

Once the smart contract is in place, the next step involves the off-chain component of the swap, typically conducted on the Lightning Network.

1. Creating a Lightning Invoice: The recipient generates a Lightning invoice that includes the hash of the preimage used in the smart contract. This invoice requests payment of the equivalent amount of Bitcoin, but on the Lightning Network.
2. Payment of the Invoice: The sender pays the Lightning invoice using their Lightning Network wallet. This step effectively transfers the funds from the sender to the recipient off-chain, significantly reducing transaction fees and processing time.

Step 3: Claiming Bitcoin from the Smart Contract

With the off-chain payment completed, the focus shifts back to the on-chain smart contract holding the original funds.

1. Revealing the Preimage: To claim the on-chain funds locked in the smart contract, the recipient reveals the preimage by submitting it as part of a transaction. This act satisfies the conditions of the HTLC, proving that the off-chain payment was successfully received.
2. Transferring the Funds: Once the preimage is revealed, and the HTLC conditions are met, the smart contract executes the transfer of the on-chain funds to the recipient. If the recipient fails to reveal the preimage within the time lock period, the funds are returned to the sender, ensuring the security of the swap.

Technical Mechanics Behind Submarine Swaps

The technical foundation of Submarine Swaps lies in the use of HTLCs, which enable secure and trustless transactions across different layers of the Bitcoin network. HTLCs ensure that the swap can only be completed if the recipient of the funds fulfills the specific conditions set out in the contract, namely revealing the correct preimage within a predetermined time frame. This mechanism not only secures the transaction against fraud but also facilitates interoperability between the on-chain environment of the Bitcoin blockchain and the off-chain environment of the Lightning Network.

Submarine Swaps harness the power of HTLCs to bridge the gap between the Bitcoin blockchain and the Lightning Network, offering users a flexible, secure, and efficient means of transferring funds. By combining the security of on-chain transactions with the speed and low cost of off-chain payments, Submarine Swaps significantly enhance the utility and scalability of Bitcoin, paving the way for broader adoption and use of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions.

Benefits of Submarine Swaps

Submarine Swaps have emerged as a pivotal innovation within the Bitcoin ecosystem, offering a suite of benefits that address some of the longstanding challenges associated with digital currency transactions. By facilitating seamless transfers between on-chain and off-chain networks, these swaps not only enhance the operational efficiency of Bitcoin transactions but also significantly improve user experience. Here are some of the key benefits of Submarine Swaps:

Enhancing Liquidity Between On-Chain and Off-Chain Networks

One of the primary advantages of Submarine Swaps is their ability to enhance liquidity between the Bitcoin blockchain (on-chain) and the Lightning Network (off-chain). This is particularly beneficial for users of the Lightning Network, who may find themselves with funds locked in off-chain channels that they wish to convert back to the main blockchain, or vice versa.

• Flexible Fund Management: Submarine Swaps allow users to move their funds freely between the on-chain and off-chain environments, providing greater flexibility in managing their assets. This fluidity ensures that users can take advantage of the Lightning Network’s low transaction fees and fast processing times without being permanently committed to keeping their funds off-chain.
• Increased Usability: By improving liquidity, Submarine Swaps make the Lightning Network more accessible and practical for everyday transactions, encouraging wider adoption and use of this layer 2 solution.

Reducing Counterparty Risks and the Need for Custody Services

Submarine Swaps significantly reduce counterparty risks associated with transferring funds between different layers of the Bitcoin network. The use of Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs) ensures that transactions are trustless and secure, mitigating the risk of loss or fraud.

• Trustless Transactions: The requirement for the recipient to provide a cryptographic proof (the preimage of a hash) before funds are released ensures that both parties can engage in transactions without needing to trust each other or a third party.
• Elimination of Custody Services: By enabling direct, secure transfers between on-chain and off-chain networks, Submarine Swaps eliminate the need for users to rely on custody services or centralized exchanges to manage their funds. This not only reduces fees associated with such services but also aligns with the decentralized ethos of Bitcoin.

Simplifying Transactions Across Bitcoin’s Layers

Submarine Swaps play a crucial role in simplifying the complexity associated with transacting across Bitcoin’s multiple layers. They provide a straightforward mechanism for users to interact with both the main blockchain and the Lightning Network, enhancing the overall user experience.

• Unified Transaction Process: Users can conduct transactions across Bitcoin’s layers using a single, unified process, without needing to navigate the technical complexities of moving funds between the blockchain and the Lightning Network.
• Broadening Access to the Lightning Network: By simplifying transactions, Submarine Swaps make it easier for a wider range of users to take advantage of the Lightning Network’s benefits, including its low fees and instant transactions. This broadens the network’s appeal and utility, further integrating it into the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Submarine Swaps represent a significant advancement in the Bitcoin ecosystem, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges faced by users of digital currencies. By enhancing liquidity, reducing counterparty risks, and simplifying transactions across Bitcoin’s layers, Submarine Swaps contribute to the scalability, security, and usability of Bitcoin. As the technology continues to evolve and gain adoption, it is poised to play a crucial role in the ongoing development and maturation of the cryptocurrency landscape.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

Submarine Swaps have opened up a plethora of practical applications and use cases within the Bitcoin ecosystem, significantly impacting how users interact with the Lightning Network and conduct Bitcoin transactions. By facilitating seamless transitions between on-chain and off-chain environments, Submarine Swaps have not only enhanced the functionality of Bitcoin but also broadened its utility across various scenarios. Here are some examples of how Submarine Swaps are used in practice and their impact on Lightning Network users and Bitcoin transactions.

Refilling Lightning Network Channels

One of the most common use cases for Submarine Swaps is the refilling of Lightning Network channels. Users who frequently conduct transactions on the Lightning Network may eventually deplete the funds in their channels. Traditionally, replenishing these channels would require closing the existing channel, conducting an on-chain transaction, and then opening a new channel. Submarine Swaps streamline this process by allowing users to directly transfer on-chain Bitcoin into their off-chain channels, keeping the channels active without the need for closure and re-establishment.

• Impact: This use case significantly reduces the operational complexity and transaction fees associated with maintaining active Lightning Network channels, encouraging more prolonged and sustained use of the network for microtransactions and daily spending.

Converting Excess Lightning Network Funds to On-Chain Bitcoin

Conversely, users with excess funds locked in the Lightning Network who wish to secure their gains on the more stable on-chain environment can use Submarine Swaps to transfer their off-chain funds back to the Bitcoin blockchain. This is particularly useful for merchants or frequent users of the Lightning Network who accumulate substantial off-chain balances and seek to consolidate their funds on-chain for added security or to realize profits.

• Impact: This flexibility enhances the liquidity and fungibility of funds across the Bitcoin ecosystem, making the Lightning Network a more attractive option for a broader range of financial activities.

Cross-Layer Atomic Swaps

Submarine Swaps facilitate cross-layer atomic swaps, enabling users to trade Bitcoin on the main blockchain for tokens on other blockchains (or vice versa) without going through centralized exchanges. By using HTLCs, these swaps can be executed in a trustless and decentralized manner, opening up new possibilities for interoperability between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

• Impact: This application has the potential to significantly broaden Bitcoin’s utility as a base currency in the cryptocurrency market, facilitating direct, decentralized trading across different blockchain platforms.

Micropayments and Content Monetization

The Lightning Network, bolstered by Submarine Swaps, enables the efficient processing of micropayments, which can be leveraged for content monetization on the internet. Content creators, such as bloggers, video producers, and software developers, can receive instant, near-feeless payments from their audience, bypassing traditional payment processors and their associated fees.

• Impact: This use case democratizes content monetization, allowing creators to earn directly from their audience in a frictionless manner. It also opens up new revenue models based on microtransactions that were previously unfeasible due to high transaction costs on the main blockchain.

Submarine Swaps have significantly impacted the usability and versatility of the Lightning Network and the broader Bitcoin ecosystem. By enabling efficient, secure, and flexible transitions between on-chain and off-chain funds, Submarine Swaps have facilitated a wide range of real-world applications, from enhancing liquidity management across Bitcoin’s layers to enabling new models of content monetization. As the technology continues to mature and gain adoption, it is expected to unlock even more innovative use cases, further solidifying Bitcoin’s position as a leading digital currency.

Conclusion

Submarine Swaps represent a significant technological advancement within the Bitcoin ecosystem, offering a seamless bridge between the foundational security and decentralization of the Bitcoin blockchain and the speed and efficiency of the Lightning Network. By enabling users to effortlessly transition funds between on-chain and off-chain environments, Submarine Swaps address some of the most pressing challenges facing Bitcoin today, including scalability, liquidity, and the user experience of conducting transactions.

The importance of Submarine Swaps in the Bitcoin ecosystem cannot be overstated. They not only enhance the functionality and appeal of the Lightning Network but also open up a myriad of possibilities for Bitcoin’s use as a daily transactional currency. With the ability to conduct fast, low-cost transactions without sacrificing the trustless nature of blockchain technology, Submarine Swaps are paving the way for a more accessible and versatile Bitcoin network.

As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and leveraging the latest technologies will be key to maximizing the potential of Bitcoin and other digital currencies. For those looking to dive deeper into the world of Bitcoin mining and blockchain technology, D-Central Technologies offers a wealth of resources and services designed to empower users and businesses alike.

D-Central Technologies is at the forefront of Bitcoin mining and blockchain innovation, offering a range of services from mining hardware solutions to consultancy services aimed at optimizing mining operations and enhancing network security. Whether you’re a seasoned miner looking for the latest in ASIC technology or a newcomer seeking guidance on navigating the Bitcoin ecosystem, D-Central Technologies has the expertise and resources to support your journey.

We invite you to explore further and discover how D-Central Technologies can help you unlock the full potential of Bitcoin mining and blockchain technology. Visit our website for more information on our services, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any inquiries. Together, we can navigate the exciting landscape of cryptocurrency and build a more secure, efficient, and decentralized future.

Embrace the future of Bitcoin and blockchain technology with D-Central Technologies, and join us in driving the next wave of innovation in the digital currency space.