XRP News Today: SWIFT tests XRP and HBAR for cross-border payment upgrades

📺 Bitcoin $200K? The math behind the next crypto supercycle

SWIFT, the global messaging network used by banks for cross-border transactions, has begun testing Ripple’s XRP Ledger and Hedera’s Hashgraph (HBAR) as part of an initiative to explore how blockchain technology can be integrated into traditional financial infrastructure. The trials, expected to move into live testing in November 2025, aim to evaluate whether these decentralized networks can improve the speed, scalability, and energy efficiency of cross-border payments [1][2][3].

The initiative is being conducted under the ISO 20022 standard, a globally recognized format for financial data exchange. This standard is designed to enhance interoperability and allow seamless communication between different financial systems. By aligning XRP and HBAR with ISO 20022, SWIFT is attempting to bridge the gap between traditional banking protocols and the next generation of blockchain-based transaction systems [2][3].

XRP Ledger is known for near-instant settlement times and low energy consumption, processing around 1,500 transactions per second. Hedera’s Hashgraph, on the other hand, claims to process over 10,000 transactions per second with similar energy efficiency, supported by a governance model that includes major corporations such as Boeing and IBM. Both blockchains are being assessed for their potential to support tokenized assets, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) [1][3].

The testing of these blockchains reflects SWIFT’s broader strategy to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. As digital assets and tokenization gain traction, financial institutions are increasingly seeking solutions that reduce transaction times and costs. The successful integration of XRP and HBAR into SWIFT’s system could redefine the global payments landscape, offering faster, more secure, and more cost-effective cross-border transactions [2][3].

From an institutional perspective, this initiative also signals a growing acceptance of blockchain technology within the financial sector. Ripple and Hedera have already seen adoption in various pilot programs and real-world applications, including tokenized asset collateral and cross-border settlement solutions. Their inclusion in SWIFT’s trials may serve as a validation of their institutional-grade performance and scalability [3].

The environmental impact of these blockchains is another key factor in their evaluation. Both XRP and HBAR are designed with energy efficiency in mind, aligning with global sustainability goals and regulatory trends. This is a critical consideration for institutions aiming to reduce their carbon footprints while maintaining high performance and reliability [3].

While SWIFT has not yet committed to a specific blockchain as a long-term solution, the testing process demonstrates an openness to innovation and a recognition of the transformative potential of blockchain technology. The outcomes of these trials could influence future regulatory frameworks, market standards, and the broader adoption of digital assets in global finance [1][2].

As the financial industry continues to evolve, SWIFT’s initiative with XRP and HBAR represents a significant step toward a more interconnected and efficient global payments system. With SWIFT handling over $150 trillion in cross-border transactions annually, even a small shift toward blockchain-based solutions could drive massive demand for XRP and HBAR, reshaping the role of digital assets in the traditional financial landscape [1][3].

Source:

[1]title1: SWIFT has begun testing Ripple's XRP Ledger and ...

url1: https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1059687-20250822

[2]title2: Hedera Hashgraph (HBARUSD): TY E7, What could this mean ...

url2: https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=176601081

[3]title3: Hedera Hashgraph HBARUSD

url3: https://investorshub.advfn.com/Hedera-Hashgraph-HBARUSD-37173