SDM’s $1M Lightning payment sets new institutional record

SDM sent $1M in Bitcoin to Kraken via Lightning, settling in 0.43 seconds and setting a new record, underscoring the network’s potential for institutional settlements.

Secure Digital Markets (SDM) executed a $1 million Bitcoin transaction to Kraken via the Lightning Network on January 28, 2026. This marks the largest publicly reported Lightning payment to date. The transaction settled in just 0.43 seconds with minimal fees, demonstrating the network’s capability for rapid, high-value transfers between regulated institutions. Voltage’s enterprise-grade Lightning infrastructure powered the payment, providing reliable uptime and pre-provisioned liquidity tailored for institutional clients. This milestone surpasses the previous record of approximately $140,000 for a single Lightning payment. Industry leaders view this event as a proof-of-concept for using the Lightning Network in large institutional settlements. It highlights the network’s potential as an efficient and credible settlement rail for the financial sector, prompting increased interest from traditional financial institutions.