- Background: SWIFT is a global network connecting over 11,000 financial institutions in more than 200 countries, used to facilitate financial messaging for cross-border transfers. In recent years, there have been recurring reports in the cryptocurrency community about testing XRP (backed by Ripple) as part of SWIFT's experiments to improve transfer efficiency. For example, in August 2024, posts on platform X indicated that #xrp was tested within the SWIFT framework as a bridge currency.
- Fact: There is no official statement from SWIFT or Ripple confirming that XRP has been fully integrated or successfully tested with the entire network of 11,000 banks so far. However, there have been actual experiments conducted. In October 2024, SWIFT announced plans to conduct live trials for digital assets (including cryptocurrencies) across its network starting in 2025, in collaboration with major banks such as HSBC and Deutsche Bank. These trials aim to connect different digital networks, and although #xrp was not explicitly mentioned, Ripple has always been a prominent player in this area thanks to its technology (XRP Ledger) designed for fast and cheap transfers.
- Current status: In March 2025, reports emerged (such as those on FXEmpire) indicating talks between SWIFT and Ripple to use XRP for cross-border transfers, with the possibility of reserving billions of XRP as liquidity reserves. However, this does not mean "confirmed success" yet; it is a potential development still being explored.
### Three catalysts for a near-term rise:
Based on common speculation in the XRP community and economic analyses, it can be assumed that the three catalysts include:
1. Partnership with SWIFT: If an official collaboration between Ripple and SWIFT is announced tomorrow (April 2, 2025) or in the near future, this could increase demand for XRP as a bridge currency, reducing circulating supply and raising the price. Some analysts expect that capturing just 5-10% of today's daily SWIFT transaction volume ($5 trillion) could push the price of XRP to high levels like $50-100.
2. Settlement of the SEC case: Ripple is still negotiating with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) following the August 2024 ruling that imposed a $125 million fine and banned the sale of XRP to institutions. If the ban is lifted or a positive settlement is reached soon, this could boost confidence and open the door for wider adoption in the United States, raising the price.
3. Approval of ETF funds: There is speculation about the approval of listed XRP funds (Spot ETFs), especially after the launch of the first global XRP fund in Brazil in February 2025. If regulators (such as the SEC) approve an ETF in the U.S. market, this could attract substantial institutional investments, driving the price up (forecasts range from $3-5 as a starting point).
### Assessment:
- Current price: As of early 2025, XRP is trading around $2-2.37 (according to reports from sources like Forbes and FXEmpire). The rise depends on how many of these catalysts are realized.
- Forecast: If one catalyst is realized (such as a partnership with SWIFT), the price could reach $3-5 in the short term. If all three are achieved together, optimistic forecasts (such as those from Changelly or Telegaon) suggest $10 or more by the end of 2025.
- Caution: Cryptocurrency markets are volatile, and claims about a "successful test with 11,000 banks" have not been officially proven yet, so official news should be followed tomorrow.