Athena Bitcoin Global and Genesis Coin Inc. announced they have enabled Lightning Network technology across their technology infrastructure in El Salvador and Latin America. The incorporation of Lightning Network as an option is a major enhancement for customers using Athena Bitcoin and Chivo-branded kiosks in El Salvador and Latin America providing faster withdrawals and minimizing fees. The upgrade will be rolled out progressively starting with Chivo Bitcoin ATMs in El Salvador.

One hundred machines will be Lightning Network-enabled by the end of December, 2023 and the remaining kiosks will follow in the first quarter of 2024. Chivo is the official Bitcoin wallet of the Salvadoran government, which Athena Bitcoin supports through its technology and infrastructure. In addition, Athena Bitcoin will extend this technology to its own branded machines in El Salvador and throughout Latin America, providing its customers across the region the opportunity to enjoy faster and more efficient transactions.