Bitcoin Lightning App Now Accessible to UK Users Welcoming Strikes Expansion
Strike, the popular Bitcoin payments app, has expanded its services to the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in its global reach. The company, founded by Jack Mallers, has been on an aggressive growth trajectory, operating in over 100 countries and territories around the world. Its mission is to make Bitcoin more accessible and functional for everyday users through its mobile application, which utilizes the Lightning Network for fast and low-cost transactions.
The UK launch follows Strike’s recent expansion into Europe and Africa earlier this year, demonstrating its commitment to global Bitcoin adoption. With a population of 67 million and as the sixth-largest economy globally, the UK presents significant opportunities for Strike to make an impact.
One of the standout features of Strike’s UK rollout is its use of the Lightning Network, a second-layer solution built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain. This technology enables fast and cost-effective micropayments, addressing scalability issues associated with traditional Bitcoin transactions. Additionally, Strike customers receive a Lightning Address in the format of [email protected], simplifying the process of receiving payments compared to more complex Lightning invoices.
The app’s global peer-to-peer transfer capability allows UK users to send funds from their GBP balance to friends’ Strike accounts instantly, anywhere the app is available. This service uses Bitcoin’s Lightning Network as a global payment rail under the hood, potentially disrupting traditional remittance channels.
However, to comply with UK regulations, Strike has implemented additional steps in its signup process. New users must provide their investor classification and pass a knowledge test called an “Appropriateness Assessment” to ensure they understand the risks involved in investing in Bitcoin and are aware of the lack of investor protection available.
The company’s dedication to growing Bitcoin adoption globally, despite regulatory complexities, is evident in its commitment to making Bitcoin accessible for regular users and businesses worldwide.
