SWIFT and Ripple are back in the headlines as speculation grows about a potential collaboration involving XRP. Reports from crypto outlets suggest that SWIFT may run tests with Ripple’s token and Hedera later this year, though no official confirmation has been made.
If true, the impact could be significant. SWIFT processes roughly $190 trillion in international transfers annually. Even a small integration with Ripple’s blockchain could create major opportunities for the XRP ecosystem.
Why November Seems Unlikely
The speculation ties closely to the November deadline for adopting ISO 20022, the new international standard for cross-border payments. While ISO 20022 does make room for blockchain messaging, it doesn’t name or endorse specific cryptocurrencies like XRP. The transition to the new standard is already a huge undertaking for global banks. Running experimental tests with XRP at the same time would be a risky distraction.
SWIFT’s official timeline suggests blockchain-specific features will be explored in future updates of ISO 20022, but not necessarily this year.
What SWIFT Is Actually Saying
Tom Zschach, SWIFT’s chief innovation officer, recently weighed in on the broader role of blockchain in payments. In a LinkedIn post, he emphasized that public blockchains “absolutely have a role” in financial transactions, but trust and regulatory compliance remain equally important.
That’s where Ripple and SWIFT differ. Ripple has built partnerships with local banks and payment providers in multiple countries, but SWIFT still dominates the global stage with over 11,500 member institutions. Rather than rivals, both could eventually serve complementary roles in the evolving payments industry.
Why Patience Matters
Even if XRP is ultimately integrated into SWIFT’s ecosystem, it won’t happen overnight. Blockchain adoption in traditional finance is a long-term process that requires careful regulatory alignment, technical upgrades, and broad industry cooperation.
For investors, this means caution. XRP may benefit from future partnerships, but expecting a sudden surge in value tied to unconfirmed SWIFT tests is risky. The crypto market thrives on hype, yet meaningful change in global finance moves much more slowly.
SWIFT and Ripple may not be best friends—or direct enemies. Instead, their paths could converge gradually as the financial world embraces blockchain technology. Until then, patience and realistic expectations are the smarter strategies for investors navigating the crypto space.
