XRP News Today: XRP's Institutional Momentum Faces SWIFT's Neutral Multi-Rail Strategy

The XRP Ledger’s technical capabilities and growing institutional adoption have positioned it as a potential candidate for integration into SWIFT’s evolving cross-border payments infrastructure, though the likelihood of exclusive adoption remains low. As of September 2025, SWIFT has been testing blockchain systems, including the XRP Ledger, to evaluate their compatibility with its modernization goals. The XRP Ledger’s fast settlement times (3–5 seconds), ISO 20022 compliance, and low transaction fees align with SWIFT’s need for efficiency and standardizationSWIFT Integrating XRP Ledger In 2026 – Reality Or Hype?^[1]. However, SWIFT has emphasized neutrality, framing its approach as a “plug-and-play” interoperability layer rather than a single-asset solution. This suggests XRP could function as one of several settlement rails within SWIFT’s framework, rather than as its default backboneSWIFT Trials Blockchain Payments, Introducing Competition for Ripple^[4].

Institutional adoption of XRP has accelerated in recent months, bolstered by regulatory clarity in the U.S. following the resolution of the SEC’s litigation against Ripple. Projects like Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin and tokenized money market funds have demonstrated practical use cases for the XRP Ledger beyond speculative trading. For instance, DBS and Franklin Templeton have explored tokenized assets on the XRP Ledger, while Shariah compliance approvals have expanded its appeal in Islamic finance marketsSWIFT Integrating XRP Ledger In 2026 – Reality Or Hype?^[1]. These developments have reduced institutional hesitancy, though XRP still faces regulatory scrutiny in some jurisdictions compared to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) or stablecoinsSWIFT Trials Blockchain Payments, Introducing Competition for Ripple^[4].

SWIFT’s November 2025 deadline for ISO 20022 migration has intensified focus on blockchain integration. The updated infrastructure allows for blockchain-based settlement, including support for distributed ledger wallets and smart contract oracles. While XRP is not ISO 20022 compliant as a token, its integration into payment products and alignment with SWIFT’s standards suggest it could benefit from the transition. Analysts note that XRP’s role in SWIFT’s future is contingent on its ability to maintain liquidity and institutional partnerships, particularly as SWIFT tests multiple ledgers, including Hedera and Ethereum-based solutions like Linea.

Speculation about XRP’s price trajectory has resurfaced amid discussions of SWIFT’s blockchain trials. Patrick Bet-David’s earlier projection of XRP reaching $1,000 hinges on the assumption that Ripple captures a significant portion of SWIFT’s $5 trillion daily transaction volume. Dan Morehead, Pantera Capital founder, reiterated Ripple’s ambition to replace SWIFT, though he acknowledged the challenge of competing with established systemsXRP to $1,000 Re-emerges After CNBC Guest Says Ripple Going After SWIFT^[2]. Critics argue that XRP’s current price of $3.02 (as of September 2025) faces a 330x gap to triple-digit targets, with timelines extending into a decade or moreXRP to $1,000 Re-emerges After CNBC Guest Says Ripple Going After SWIFT^[2]. Institutional adoption and regulatory stability are seen as critical factors, but widespread adoption remains speculative.

SWIFT’s recent blockchain pilot with Linea and its exploration of stablecoins underscore the competitive landscape for XRP. The pilot, involving major banks like BNP Paribas and BNY Mellon, aims to reduce costs and improve transparency by combining payment instructions and settlement on a single on-chain transactionSWIFT’s Future Call: XRP, HBAR Or Linea’s On-Chain Crown?^[6]. This initiative challenges Ripple’s cross-border payment model, which relies on tokenized liquidity and XRP’s speed. SWIFT’s CEO, Javier Pérez-Tasso, emphasized the importance of maintaining trust and compliance, suggesting that regulated stablecoins and tokenized deposits may gain precedence over XRP in certain contexts.

The most plausible outcome is a multi-rail system where XRP serves as an optional settlement layer for institutions prioritizing liquidity and speed. SWIFT’s focus on interoperability aligns with this model, allowing member banks to choose from various blockchains based on compliance and cost considerationsSWIFT Integrating XRP Ledger In 2026 – Reality Or Hype?^[1]. Pilot integrations are expected by 2026–2027, following the ISO 20022 transition and further development of tokenized liquidity on the XRP LedgerSWIFT Trials Blockchain Payments, Introducing Competition for Ripple^[4]. While XRP’s technical and institutional momentum supports its inclusion in SWIFT’s framework, its role is likely to remain complementary rather than transformative.