Square’s Lightning Network Node Generates 9.7% Yield on Bitcoin Treasury
Square, the payments division of Jack Dorsey’s Block (XYZ), is achieving a remarkable 9.7% annual yield on its Bitcoin holdings by operating a node on the Lightning Network. This revelation was made by Miles Suter, Block’s bitcoin product lead, during the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. The yield, which translates to an estimated $1 million annually, is attributed to efficient routing of payments through this layer-2 solution. With Bitcoin currently priced at 107,173.81 USDT, this development underscores the growing potential of Bitcoin and the Lightning Network in generating real yields and enhancing transactional efficiency.
Square Earns 9.7% Yield on Bitcoin via Lightning Network Node
Square, the payments arm of Jack Dorsey’s Block (XYZ), is generating a 9.7% annual yield on its bitcoin treasury by operating a node on the Lightning Network. Miles Suter, Block’s bitcoin product lead, revealed the returns during Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, emphasizing "real bitcoin yields" from routing payments efficiently through the layer-2 solution.
The yield, estimated at $1 million annually, stems from Square’s Lightning Service Provider (c=), launched two years ago to bolster network liquidity. Lightning Labs’ Ryan Gentry hailed the announcement as the event’s standout revelation, underscoring institutional confidence in Lightning’s economic viability.
Once touted as Bitcoin’s scaling panacea, Lightning has faced criticism for technical hurdles like inbound liquidity requirements. Yet Square remains committed, processing 25% of outbound bitcoin payments through the network—a strategic bet on Lightning as the backbone for mainstream BTC transaction adoption.
Bitmain’s New Antminer Launch Signals Profound Shift for Bitcoin Miners
Bitmain unveiled its latest mining rig, the Antminer S23 Hydro, at the World Digital Mining Summit. Scheduled for release in early 2026, the machine sets a new benchmark with an energy efficiency of 9.7 joules per terahash (J/TH). This marks a stark contrast to the first dedicated bitcoin ASIC miner in 2013, which consumed roughly 1,200 J/TH.
Despite the technological leap, the launch comes amid tension in the mining economy. Bitcoin’s recent surge past $100,000 hasn’t translated to improved miner profitability. Hashprice remains low, dipping below $39/PH/s earlier this year, forcing several large firms to pause hashrate expansion plans.
The S23 Hydro may not fuel network growth but could upgrade existing fleets. Retiring older models might improve the Bitcoin network’s overall power efficiency—potentially reducing total power consumption for the first time in its history.
Crypto Is Not an Asset Class — It’s an Asset Universe
Fabian Dori, Chief Investment Officer at Sygnum Bank, argues that cryptocurrency transcends traditional asset classification. Institutional adoption is accelerating, evidenced by billions flowing into U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, yet most investors barely scratch the surface of crypto’s potential. The asset universe spans yield-generating strategies, directional plays, and hedge fund-style alpha opportunities.
Moody’s recent warning about public blockchain risks contrasts sharply with growing institutional interest. Yield-generating strategies mirror traditional fixed income with lower volatility, including tokenized money market funds. Meanwhile, directional investments and alternative strategies offer diversified exposure beyond passive Bitcoin holdings.
Abhishek Pingle of Theo addresses risk-averse investors in decentralized finance, emphasizing structured approaches to navigate this evolving landscape. The institutional narrative is shifting from skepticism to strategic allocation as crypto matures into a multifaceted financial ecosystem.
Peter Schiff Dismisses Bitcoin as ’Giant Cult’ at Bitcoin 2025 Conference
Peter Schiff, a staunch Gold advocate and vocal Bitcoin critic, launched a scathing critique of the cryptocurrency during his appearance at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. Labeling the Bitcoin community as a "giant cult," Schiff argued that the digital asset lacks intrinsic value and functions more like a "memecoin" than a legitimate store of wealth.
Schiff pointed to central banks’ continued accumulation of gold as evidence of its enduring status as the premier reserve asset. "Every time I tell people not to buy bitcoin, they buy more," he remarked, wryly acknowledging his unintended influence on Bitcoin adoption.
The debate intensified when Schiff countered U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s praise of Bitcoin’s wealth creation, dismissing it as a pyramid scheme rather than genuine innovation. The crowd’s mixed reaction underscored the divisive nature of Schiff’s comments, which framed Bitcoin’s price action as hype-driven rather than grounded in economic fundamentals.
Trump Media Bets Big on Bitcoin with $2.5 Billion Purchase Plan
Donald TRUMP is making a bold move to tie his family’s wealth to Bitcoin, with Trump Media and Technology Group announcing a $2.5 billion capital raise to acquire the cryptocurrency. The plan involves stock sales and convertible bonds, advised by Cantor Fitzgerald, aiming to close by May 29.
The company, which holds $759 million in cash, reported a $401 million net loss in 2024. Despite financial struggles, Trump is doubling down on Bitcoin exposure, with his $2.6 billion stake in the company now heavily linked to crypto volatility. Truth Social, its flagship platform, continues to underperform as the pivot unfolds.
This strategic shift marks one of the most aggressive institutional bets on Bitcoin by a political figure, potentially reshaping perceptions of cryptocurrency’s role in traditional finance. The MOVE comes as Trump’s net worth stands at $5.2 billion, with Bitcoin becoming an unexpected centerpiece of his financial legacy.
