Swap
Swap Cross-Layer Masterclass 04 / 08

Michael

Co-Founder of Boltz • Swap Protocol Engineer • Open Source Builder

Biography

Michael (GitHub: michael1011) is the co-founder and lead developer of Boltz, a non-custodial swap exchange that enables trustless atomic swaps between Bitcoin's on-chain layer, the Lightning Network, and the Liquid sidechain.

Based in Austria, Michael is one of the most prolific individual contributors in the Bitcoin swap infrastructure space. His GitHub activity on the boltz-backend repository alone shows over 1,767 commits, reflecting years of dedicated engineering work on the swap protocol.

Boltz operates as a fully non-custodial service — users never give up control of their funds during a swap. This is made possible through cryptographic techniques like submarine swaps, reverse swaps, and more recently, Taproot-based swap contracts using MuSig2 signatures.

Michael's work is critical infrastructure for the Bitcoin ecosystem, enabling seamless movement of funds between layers without requiring trust in a third party.

Technical Contributions

Michael's engineering work covers the full spectrum of swap technology:

  • Boltz Backend: Primary author of the boltz-backend (TypeScript/Node.js), the engine that powers non-custodial swaps. Over 1,767 commits implementing submarine swaps, reverse swaps, and chain-to-chain swaps.
  • Taproot & MuSig2 Swaps: Pioneered the integration of Taproot and MuSig2 signatures into swap contracts, reducing on-chain footprint and improving privacy.
  • CLN Integration: Built support for Core Lightning (CLN) alongside LND, making Boltz compatible with multiple Lightning implementations.
  • covclaim: Developed a Rust tool for efficiently processing swap claims using covenant-style transactions.
  • BOLT12 Support: Working on implementing BOLT12 (offers) support to enable more advanced payment flows in swaps.
  • Multi-Chain Swaps: Implemented Bitcoin-to-Liquid swaps, enabling users to move between the base chain and sidechain trustlessly.

Masterclass: Swap

This masterclass covers the cross-layer infrastructure that connects Bitcoin's different layers. Swaps are the bridges that let users move funds between on-chain, Lightning, and sidechains without trusting anyone. Michael knows this technology intimately because he built it.

Non-Custodial Swap Technology
Cross-Layer • Mar 5, 2026

Topics likely covered include:

  • Submarine swaps: how they work and why they matter
  • Reverse submarine swaps: from Lightning to on-chain
  • Taproot swap contracts and MuSig2 optimizations
  • Chain swaps: Bitcoin to Liquid and back
  • Building a non-custodial exchange from scratch
  • HTLC mechanics, timelock considerations, and security tradeoffs

Resources & Preparation

Boltz Backend
Core swap engine with 1,767+ commits. TypeScript implementation of submarine swaps.
Boltz Documentation
API docs, swap flow diagrams, and integration guides for developers.
Boltz Exchange
Try non-custodial swaps live. Move between on-chain, Lightning, and Liquid.
covclaim
Rust tool for covenant-based swap claim processing.
Submarine Swaps Explained
Educational resource on submarine swap mechanics and use cases.
Boltz Client
Client library for integrating Boltz swaps into your own applications.
← Previous Masterclass Lightning Protocol Hannah Rosenberg