Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, just shook the crypto world at the XRP APEX 2025 conference in Singapore. His message? Ripple’s digital asset, XRP, could take over a whopping 14% of SWIFT’s global transaction volume within the next five years. That’s not just a bold claim—it’s a shot fired at the heart of traditional finance.
#1
Core Function - Messaging system for banks
Speed - Slow (can take days)
Cost - High fees
Technology - Decades old
Liquidity- Relies on nostro/vostro accounts
XRP
Core Function -Crypto-based liquidity
Speed - Fast (seconds to minutes)
Cost - Lower fees
Technology - Blockchain-based
Liquidity- Uses XRP as bridge asset
Key Point: SWIFT is the old guard, handling trillions in cross-border payments. But it’s slow and expensive. Ripple wants to change that by focusing on liquidity—the actual movement of money, not just the messaging.
Ripple CEO post - https://x.com/Nash_Xer/status/1932646888932864395
SWIFT vs. Ripple: The Battle for Global Payments
SWIFTCore Function - Messaging system for banks
Speed - Slow (can take days)
Cost - High fees
Technology - Decades old
Liquidity- Relies on nostro/vostro accounts
XRP
Core Function -Crypto-based liquidity
Speed - Fast (seconds to minutes)
Cost - Lower fees
Technology - Blockchain-based
Liquidity- Uses XRP as bridge asset
Key Point: SWIFT is the old guard, handling trillions in cross-border payments. But it’s slow and expensive. Ripple wants to change that by focusing on liquidity—the actual movement of money, not just the messaging.
Ripple CEO post - https://x.com/Nash_Xer/status/1932646888932864395
#2
Garlinghouse’s main argument? Liquidity is where the power lies. If Ripple can control the flow of money, not just the communication, it could leapfrog SWIFT in relevance.
Traditional banks: Use SWIFT for messaging and hold money in accounts all over the world (nostro/vostro). This ties up billions in idle cash.
Ripple’s model: Uses XRP as a bridge currency, freeing up that cash and making transfers instant.
If XRP grabs just 14% of this market, it could process hundreds of billions in transactions every year.
Analysis: Why Liquidity Matters
Garlinghouse’s main argument? Liquidity is where the power lies. If Ripple can control the flow of money, not just the communication, it could leapfrog SWIFT in relevance.Traditional banks: Use SWIFT for messaging and hold money in accounts all over the world (nostro/vostro). This ties up billions in idle cash.
Ripple’s model: Uses XRP as a bridge currency, freeing up that cash and making transfers instant.
If XRP grabs just 14% of this market, it could process hundreds of billions in transactions every year.
#3
Why is this a big deal?
Tokenization allows real-world assets to be traded instantly, 24/7, across borders.
XRP’s role: If it becomes the go-to bridge for these assets, its value and utility could skyrocket.
The Tokenization Trend: More Than Just Payments
Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer added fuel to the fire, predicting that hundreds of billions in tokenized assets will soon move across blockchains. XRP isn’t just aiming to move money—it wants to be the backbone for tokenized stocks, bonds, and more.Why is this a big deal?
Tokenization allows real-world assets to be traded instantly, 24/7, across borders.
XRP’s role: If it becomes the go-to bridge for these assets, its value and utility could skyrocket.
#4
Institutional interest in blockchain is at an all-time high. Banks are experimenting with crypto and blockchain for faster settlements.
Regulatory clarity is improving, making it easier for big players to enter the space.
Competition is fierce: SWIFT isn’t standing still—they’re piloting their own blockchain solutions.
Bottom Line: Ripple’s bet on liquidity and tokenization could pay off, but it won’t be a walk in the park.
Ripple’s CEO predicts XRP could capture 14% of SWIFT’s global transaction volume in 5 years.
Market Sentiment: Is This Hype or Reality?
Let’s get analytical. Ripple’s vision is ambitious, but is it realistic?Institutional interest in blockchain is at an all-time high. Banks are experimenting with crypto and blockchain for faster settlements.
Regulatory clarity is improving, making it easier for big players to enter the space.
Competition is fierce: SWIFT isn’t standing still—they’re piloting their own blockchain solutions.
Bottom Line: Ripple’s bet on liquidity and tokenization could pay off, but it won’t be a walk in the park.
Ripple’s CEO predicts XRP could capture 14% of SWIFT’s global transaction volume in 5 years.
#5
A: SWIFT is a global messaging network banks use to securely send information about financial transactions.
Q: How is Ripple different?
A: Ripple uses blockchain and its token, XRP, to actually move money, not just send messages.
Q: Why does liquidity matter?
A: Liquidity means cash flow. Ripple’s model frees up money stuck in bank accounts, making transfers faster and cheaper.
Q: What are tokenized assets?
A: These are real-world assets (like stocks or real estate) represented as digital tokens on a blockchain.
Q: Is XRP adoption growing?
A: Yes, especially as more banks and institutions test blockchain-based solutions for payments.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing.
FAQ: XRP vs. SWIFT
Q: What is SWIFT?A: SWIFT is a global messaging network banks use to securely send information about financial transactions.
Q: How is Ripple different?
A: Ripple uses blockchain and its token, XRP, to actually move money, not just send messages.
Q: Why does liquidity matter?
A: Liquidity means cash flow. Ripple’s model frees up money stuck in bank accounts, making transfers faster and cheaper.
Q: What are tokenized assets?
A: These are real-world assets (like stocks or real estate) represented as digital tokens on a blockchain.
Q: Is XRP adoption growing?
A: Yes, especially as more banks and institutions test blockchain-based solutions for payments.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing.
Reactions
Reactions
2
