Bitcoin infrastructure firm JAN3, in collaboration with BTCPay Server developers, has introduced the SamRock Protocol

The new standard is designed to streamline the way merchants receive Bitcoin payments across on-chain, Liquid, and Lightning networks.

The protocol integrates directly with JAN3’s AQUA wallet and BTCPay Server, providing a secure connection between wallets and invoicing systems without exposing private keys. 

It also removes the need for merchants to manually configure extended public keys (XPUBs), derivation paths, or Lightning nodes.

Addressing Merchant Pain Points

Traditionally, businesses using BTCPay Server faced complex setup requirements. 

Merchants often needed to copy XPUBs manually, manage derivation paths, and operate Lightning nodes to receive payments. 

The SamRock Protocol eliminates these steps with a simple QR code handshake between the AQUA wallet and BTCPay Server.

During the launch presentation, JAN3 CEO Samson Mow and BTCPay Server core contributor r0ckstardev explained that merchants previously had to navigate multiple steps, including setting up wallets and running Lightning nodes.

With SamRock, these tasks are abstracted away, allowing merchants to enable Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning payments in just a few clicks while maintaining full control of their funds.

Key Features

  • Multi-Rail Payments: Supports Bitcoin on-chain transactions, Liquid confidential transactions, and Lightning payments via trustless swaps with Boltz, without requiring merchants to run their own node.
  • Security by Design: AQUA securely shares only public data such as XPUBs and Liquid blinding keys with BTCPay Server, ensuring private keys never leave the wallet.
  • Privacy Enhancements: Liquid integration enables confidential transactions and opens the door to stablecoin support, including USDt, in future updates.
  • Custody Control: Merchants retain keys on their own devices, or in cold storage, while still being able to generate invoices and accept payments 24/7.

Wider Ecosystem Integration

While AQUA is the first wallet to support SamRock, the protocol is designed as an open standard. 

Other wallets such as the Blockstream App and Bull Bitcoin are expected to integrate, broadening adoption and allowing more merchants to connect to BTCPay Server or similar invoicing systems.

Industry observers note that the protocol could make hosted BTCPay instances more viable for businesses that prefer outsourcing server management but still want to maintain custody of their funds.

Roadmap

Future plans include broader wallet compatibility and support for additional Liquid assets, including stablecoins like USDt. 

The developers at JAN3 and BTCPay Server also aim to formalize SamRock as a protocol standard to encourage wider implementation across Bitcoin commerce platforms.

Why It Matters

The SamRock Protocol addresses long-standing challenges in Bitcoin payments: reducing technical friction, removing custodial risks, and simplifying Lightning adoption. 

By creating a standardized way for wallets and invoicing systems to interact, it aims to accelerate merchant adoption of Bitcoin while preserving user sovereignty.

As the Bitcoin ecosystem expands, initiatives like SamRock highlight the growing emphasis on usability and interoperability. 

The protocol reflects the design philosophy shared by Mow and r0ckstardev: empowering users, bypassing custodians, and making the best use of Bitcoin’s layered architecture.

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