SWIFT tests XRP - A possible revolution in global payments
The stage is set
On August 21, 2025, the crypto world received a monumental news: SWIFT, the backbone of international payments, is starting tests with Ripple’s XRP Ledger as well as with Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR). These blockchain networks were chosen to test ISO-20022-based payment systems - a crucial step towards interoperability with the existing banking system.
Why XRP and HBAR?
Both networks score with impressive efficiency:
XRP Ledger shines with near-instant transactions, high energy efficiency, and a capacity of nearly 1,500 transactions per second.
Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) exceeds this with over 10,000 TPS, consistently high speed, low energy consumption, and a strong governance model.
If only a tiny fraction of SWIFT's annually processed 150 trillion USD rolls over such blockchain tracks in the future, it could mean a massive increase in demand for XRP and HBAR.
Spectacular potential - but still no final commitment
SWIFT emphasizes that these tests are exploratory steps, not a final decision. The markets respond accordingly cautiously - XRP fell by about 3%, HBAR by around 1.5%.
Binance reports "Confirmation" - to be taken with caution
A Binance post reported that XRP has been successfully tested with over 11,000 banks in the SWIFT network - thus referring to "rocket charter for XRP". Such statements sound spectacular but should be taken with caution as they have not been confirmed by official sources.
Background: ISO 20022 as a key
ISO 20022 is considered a global standard for financial messages. XRP is not only compatible, but Ripple is actually the first blockchain project to become a member of the ISO-20022 standards organization. This gives XRP a special position in future payments.
Visionary future prediction
In front of the camera in Singapore at the XRP Ledger Apex 2025, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced his ambitious vision: 14% of SWIFT's global liquidity could be switched to the XRP Ledger within five years.
Conclusion - A vibrant development without a final decision
SWIFT's tests with XRP and HBAR mark a milestone in the interplay of TradFi and blockchain. They signal that a future where decentralized networks complement or transform traditional financial systems is increasingly on the radar of established players.
For XRP - especially in connection with ISO 20022 - enormous opportunities could arise. But no final decision has been made yet: It remains exciting whether SWIFT will move towards blockchain solutions in the long term or only temporarily explore digital technologies.
A final thought as a personal mentor:
Imagine this scenario as a chess game. SWIFT sets the pieces, XRP could be the queen, but there are other strong pieces like HBAR. The true path will be cleared strategically and in the long term - not in one move. Do you think it is possible for XRP to be prepared for this in the coming months?
I have been talking about this for 8 years 🥰
