System Architecture Overview

The system architecture for this project is designed to enable instant, secure, and cost-effective cross-border transfers by integrating blockchain infrastructure (Lightspark), banking partners (ClearBank, MFB), and middleware services (PCX). It follows a layered approach to ensure scalability, security, and compliance.

1. User Interface Layer

• Lightway Finance Web/Mobile Platform:

  • Customer portal for registration, KYC/AML verification, and UMA assignment.

  • Transfer initiation and tracking dashboard.

  • Notifications (transaction status, confirmations, alerts).

• Admin Dashboard:

  • Node funding and balance monitoring.

  • Transaction tracking and reporting.

  • Liquidity alerts and channel health indicators.

2. Application Layer

• Customer Management Service: Handles account creation, UMA assignment, and user profile management.

• Payment Orchestration Service: Routes customer-initiated transactions through the integration layer.

• Admin Control Service: Provides secure access for Lightway operators to manage node settings and liquidity.

3. Security Layer

• KYC/AML Compliance: Identity verification at registration (integrated with Nigerian and UK regulatory systems).

• Encryption & Tokenization: Secure handling of customer data and transaction details.

• Access Controls: Role-based permissions for customers, admins, and technical operators.

• Fraud Monitoring: Automated detection of unusual transfer patterns.

4. Data Layer

• Customer Data Repository: Stores account, UMA, and compliance records.

• Transaction Ledger: Tracks transaction metadata (status, timestamps, settlement reference).

• Audit Logs: Immutable logs for regulatory and operational auditing.

5. Integration Layer (Powered by PCX)

• Lightspark API Integration:

  • Lightning Connect for routing payments over the Bitcoin Lightning Network.

  • UMA services for address resolution.

• ClearBank Integration: GBP deposits, payouts, and settlement handling.

• MFB Network Integration: NGN deposits, withdrawals, and account reconciliation.

• Middleware Services: Data transformation, error handling, retry mechanisms, and transaction monitoring.

6. Infrastructure Layer

• Cloud Hosting Environment (e.g., AWS/Azure/GCP): Hosting of application services, APIs, and admin dashboard.

• Lightspark Grid: Operates the Lightning node and ensures uptime and scalability.

• Disaster Recovery & Redundancy: Backup systems and failover mechanisms to guarantee 24/7 service availability.

Simplified End-to-End Transaction Flow

• Customer registers → assigned a UMA.

• Customer initiates transfer via Lightway platform.

• Transaction request sent to PCX Integration Layer.

• PCX routes request to Lightspark API → processed over the Bitcoin Lightning Network.

• Funds received via ClearBank (GBP) or MFB APIs (NGN) depending on corridor.

• Confirmation sent back to customer with transaction details.