Fold, a payments platform, is introducing a lightning network protocol that will allegedly enable users to shop in-store or online at several retailers, including Starbucks, Whole Foods, AMC, Home Depot, and Southwest Airlines. Though customers will transact in bitcoin, the payments will be settled in whatever currency the merchant chooses. This eliminates the risk of cryptocurrency volatility for merchants, while expanding pool of potential clients who would prefer to transact in bitcoin. The protocol integrates with existing payments systems in a merchant’s POS, dealing “directly with prepaid access programs like ... (full story)