XRP News Today: SWIFT's ISO 20022 Migration Spotlight 8 Cryptocurrencies for Cross-Border Payment Solutions

SWIFT’s migration to the ISO 20022 messaging standard has brought eight cryptocurrencies—XRP, XLM, XDC, QNT, HBAR, ALGO, MIOTA, and ADA—into the spotlight as potential solutions to longstanding inefficiencies in cross-border payments. A report cited by crypto researcher SMQKE, based on an edition of the ASOBANCA Law Journal (November 2022), explains that these digital assets were selected for their ability to address critical shortcomings in the traditional SWIFT network, including slow settlement times, high operational costs, and limited transparency. The analysis highlights their technological compatibility with ISO 20022, which mandates richer data structures and real-time processing capabilities [1].

The inclusion of XRP, developed by Ripple, is particularly notable. Ripple became the first member of the ISO 20022 Standards Body focused on Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in 2020. Its RippleNet platform, combined with XRP’s sub-5-second settlement times and minimal fees (~$0.0002 per transaction), offers financial institutions a competitive alternative to legacy systems. Partnerships with banks like Santander and SBI Holdings underscore XRP’s role in bridging liquidity gaps and reducing intermediaries in cross-border transactions [1]. Similarly, Stellar (XLM) and other tokens are positioned for their low-cost remittance capabilities and decentralized infrastructure, aligning with ISO 20022’s goal of modernizing financial messaging [1].

The ASOBANCA publication emphasizes that blockchain-based platforms, including Ripple’s XRP, Stellar’s XLM, and others, are not merely ISO-compliant but are actively integrated into financial infrastructure upgrades. These platforms leverage APIs and smart contracts to enable programmable logic and real-time reconciliation, traits critical for next-generation payment systems. For instance, Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service uses XRP as a bridge currency, allowing banks to bypass pre-funded nostro accounts and settle transactions in seconds while preserving SWIFT’s network [1].

Analysts suggest that macroeconomic and regulatory factors will shape the future of these assets. While bullish forecasts, such as CoinPedia’s prediction of XRP reaching $5.81 in 2025, depend on widespread institutional adoption, bearish scenarios—like Changelly’s $2.05 projection for XRP—highlight risks from regulatory hurdles or competition from stablecoins [2]. The regulatory landscape, including legislative momentum like the GENIUS Act, has already influenced market sentiment, with XRP and XLM outperforming in recent months [4]. However, the ASOBANCA report clarifies that the integration of these tokens is not speculative but a documented strategic shift toward blockchain-enhanced systems [1].

SWIFT’s move reflects a broader industry transition. As financial institutions adopt ISO 20022, blockchain platforms are emerging as foundational tools for global payment modernization. The selected cryptocurrencies are not replacing SWIFT but enhancing its infrastructure with faster, cost-efficient alternatives. This hybrid approach underscores the evolving role of DLT in financial ecosystems, where traditional and decentralized technologies coexist to address inefficiencies [1].

The adoption of these digital assets signals a strategic pivot in global finance. While challenges like regulatory scrutiny and market volatility persist, the chosen tokens demonstrate tangible value in solving cross-border payment pain points. This development could catalyze further innovation, bridging legacy systems with decentralized solutions to reshape international financial infrastructure [1].

Sources:

[1] [Here’s Why SWIFT Chooses XRP, XLM, and 6 Others](https://timestabloid.com/heres-why-swift-chooses-xrp-xlm-and-6-others/)

[2] [XRP Price Prediction: Where Ripple Could Be by 2025](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/xrp-price-prediction-where-ripple-141446425.html)

[3] [Stellar (XLM) Price Prediction 2025 2026 2027 - 2030](https://changelly.com/blog/stellar-lumens-xlm-price-prediction/)

[4] [Research](https://www.blockscholes.com/research)