The global financial landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as SWIFT—the backbone of international money transfers—prepares to integrate distributed ledger technology (DLT) into its infrastructure by November 2025. This landmark move, confirmed in SWIFT’s updated ISO 20022 documentation, signals a new era of blockchain-powered settlements and could unlock unprecedented opportunities for utility altcoins like Hedera (HBAR) and Ripple (XRP).
With over $150 trillion in transactions processed annually, SWIFT’s adoption of DLT marks one of the most significant validations of blockchain technology in mainstream finance. The integration will allow cash accounts to be settled via DLT wallets, support tokenized assets, and introduce native mechanisms for gas fees and oracle-based pricing—features long championed by leading blockchain platforms.
SWIFT Embraces DLT: A New Chapter in Financial Infrastructure
SWIFT’s latest infrastructure update confirms that distributed ledger wallets will become a core component of its next-generation payment systems. This transformation aligns with the ongoing transition to ISO 20022, the global standard for financial messaging that enables richer data exchange and improved interoperability.
Key developments include:
- DLT-based settlement accounts: Traditional cash accounts are no longer sufficient for all transaction types. SWIFT now recognizes DLT wallets as valid settlement instruments.
- Tokenized asset tracking: The system will monitor tokenized currencies and sequenced transactions across distributed ledgers.
- Oracle integration: Trusted oracles will provide real-time crypto pricing data, ensuring accurate valuation during settlements.
- Native gas fee support: Network fees on blockchain layers will be natively supported within SWIFT’s framework.
- Crypto wallet storage: Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and other crypto assets will be held in dedicated crypto wallets rather than traditional cash accounts.
These upgrades suggest a clear preference for scalable, enterprise-grade DLT solutions—putting HBAR and XRP in the spotlight due to their proven performance in cross-border payments and institutional use cases.
Why HBAR and XRP Are Leading the Pack
While many blockchains claim enterprise readiness, only a few meet the rigorous demands of global financial messaging. Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) and Ripple (XRP) stand out for their speed, low cost, regulatory compliance, and existing partnerships with banks and financial institutions.
Hedera (HBAR): High Throughput, Low Latency
Hedera uses a unique consensus algorithm called Hashgraph, which offers high throughput (up to 10,000 TPS), low latency, and strong security guarantees. Its governance model includes a council of global enterprises, enhancing trust among institutional users.
SWIFT’s emphasis on secure, fast, and auditable transactions mirrors Hedera’s core strengths. With built-in smart contracts, file storage, and tokenization services, Hedera is well-positioned to support SWIFT’s evolving needs.
Ripple (XRP): Built for Cross-Border Payments
Ripple has long positioned XRP as a bridge currency for instant cross-border settlements. Its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solution eliminates pre-funded nostro accounts, reducing capital requirements for banks.
Given SWIFT’s focus on efficient international transfers, Ripple’s technology fits seamlessly into the new DLT-enabled ecosystem. Recent milestones—including Ripple’s favorable court ruling against the U.S. SEC—have further strengthened investor confidence in XRP’s legitimacy and long-term viability.
👉 See how top altcoins are powering the future of finance—get insights before the next market surge.
Market Reaction: HBAR and XRP Surge on SWIFT News
The announcement triggered immediate bullish momentum in both HBAR and XRP markets.
HBAR Price Breaks Downtrend
After months of consolidation, HBAR broke out of its downward trend, climbing 23% in just one week. Trading at $0.21, the token shows strong potential to test resistance near $0.29 if positive sentiment continues. While volume remains stable below $1 billion daily, on-chain activity suggests growing institutional interest.
Analysts note that a retest of support at $0.125 is possible but view any dip as a strategic entry point for long-term holders.
XRP Sees Explosive Volume Growth
XRP dominance surged this week as spot trading volume hit $10.65 billion—ranking among the highest in recent months. Derivatives markets followed suit, with futures and perpetuals volume spiking 166% to $19.75 billion in 24 hours.
Notably, XRP briefly overtook Tether (USDT) for third place in global crypto rankings by market cap after reclaiming the $2.50 level—a key psychological and technical zone. This rally was fueled by a 21% price increase over the weekend, driven by renewed optimism around SWIFT integration and broader regulatory clarity.
Why This Matters: Bridging Traditional Finance and Blockchain
The integration of DLT into SWIFT’s network isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a fundamental reimagining of how value moves across borders.
For decades, international payments have suffered from delays, high fees, and lack of transparency. By adopting blockchain-based settlement, SWIFT can offer:
- Near-instant settlement: Transactions cleared in seconds instead of days.
- Lower operational costs: Reduced need for intermediaries and reconciliation.
- Greater transparency: Full audit trails with tamper-proof records.
- Interoperability: Seamless connection between fiat rails and digital asset ecosystems.
This convergence benefits not only banks but also businesses and individuals who rely on fast, affordable cross-border transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does SWIFT’s DLT integration mean for cryptocurrency?
A: It validates blockchain as a legitimate financial infrastructure tool. Widespread adoption by SWIFT could drive institutional demand for compliant, scalable DLT platforms like Hedera and Ripple.
Q: When will SWIFT launch its DLT settlement trials?
A: According to official documents, pilot programs are set to begin in November 2025 alongside the full rollout of ISO 20022 standards.
Q: Are HBAR and XRP confirmed for integration with SWIFT?
A: No formal partnership has been announced yet. However, SWIFT’s technical requirements align closely with the capabilities of both networks, making them strong candidates.
Q: How could this affect the price of HBAR and XRP?
A: Increased speculation and real-world utility often lead to higher demand. If either network becomes part of SWIFT’s ecosystem, it could trigger sustained price appreciation.
Q: Is this development bullish for all altcoins?
A: Primarily utility-focused altcoins with enterprise applications stand to benefit most. General-purpose or meme coins are less likely to see direct impact unless they offer specific interoperability features.
Q: Will CBDCs play a role in SWIFT’s blockchain plans?
A: Yes. The documentation explicitly states that central bank digital currencies will be stored in crypto wallets rather than traditional accounts, indicating a foundational shift toward digital-native finance.
👉 Stay ahead of the next big market move—explore blockchain innovations shaping the future of money.
Final Thoughts
SWIFT’s pivot toward blockchain is more than just a rumor—it’s a documented strategic shift with real timelines and technical specifications. As the world’s largest financial messaging network embraces DLT, the line between traditional finance and decentralized systems continues to blur.
For investors and institutions alike, the message is clear: scalable, compliant blockchains like Hedera (HBAR) and Ripple (XRP) are no longer speculative bets—they’re emerging as critical infrastructure in the future of global finance.
Keywords: SWIFT crypto integration, HBAR price prediction, XRP news today, DLT wallet, blockchain finance, ISO 20022, utility altcoins, cross-border payments