SWIFT's ISO 20022 Push Sparks XRP Partnership Speculation

Recently, the X account of Watcher Guru, a well-known crypto news platform, was compromised. The hacker posted a false announcement claiming that SWIFT was nearing an agreement with Ripple to use XRP for cross-border payments. The post also suggested that billions of XRP were secured in escrow for liquidity. However, Watcher Guru quickly regained control of its account, deleted the post, and clarified that the information was not legitimate.

Despite the misinformation, the event has reignited discussions about XRP’s potential in the cross-border payments sector. While no official partnership between SWIFT and Ripple has been confirmed, many believe XRP could serve as an efficient alternative to the traditional financial messaging network.

Shortly after the SEC dropped its appeal in the Ripple case, SWIFT published an article discussing its plans to enable seamless cross-border payments using ISO 20022 digital assets. The article focuses on improving data integrity and streamlining transactions for banks and corporate clients. Brice Goemans, Corporates Product Owner at SWIFT, stated, “With ISO 20022, the goal is to provide corporates and banks with a single standard that improves cross-border payments.” The new FINplus service will allow for better reconciliation, payment forecasting, and working capital management.

Danny, a crypto enthusiast on X, drew attention to the publication, stating, “We’ve known this for years, but for them to publish this the day after the SEC drops their appeal in the Ripple case speaks volumes of what’s to come.” This timing has led to speculation about a potential partnership between SWIFT and Ripple, which could significantly boost the adoption and value of XRP.

As financial institutions continue to explore blockchain-based solutions, XRP remains a strong contender, and more so now, because of its ISO 20022 compliance. SWIFT’s focus on ISO 20022 signals a shift toward greater interoperability and efficiency, which aligns with the benefits that XRP and similar digital assets offer. The increasing adoption of ISO 20022 and blockchain technology suggests that digital assets could play a larger role in the future of global payments.

While SWIFT has not confirmed any direct involvement with XRP, the developments suggest that the financial industry is actively preparing for a more digital and automated payments landscape. The introduction of Ripple USD (RLUSD), a stablecoin developed by Ripple, adds another layer of potential demand for XRP. RLUSD serves as a bridge currency for international money transfers, providing a less volatile option for cross-border payments. Transactions involving RLUSD on the XRP Ledger still incur fees that must be paid in XRP, directly increasing demand for the cryptocurrency.

Additionally, the development of decentralized applications on the XRP Ledger could further drive demand for XRP, as these applications would require XRP for transaction fees. The submission of paperwork by several asset managers to the SEC, seeking permission to create spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), further supports the potential for increased demand for XRP. These investment products would provide direct exposure to XRP without the complexities and high fees associated with cryptocurrency exchanges.

Despite the positive outlook, it is important to note that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and unpredictable. While the potential partnership between SWIFT and Ripple, along with the recent legal developments, could drive demand for XRP, there is no guarantee of future price appreciation. Investors should approach XRP with caution, understanding the risks involved and being prepared for potential losses.

Ask Aime: What is the future of XRP in cross-border payments?