Did Ripple Turn SWIFT Down?
According to commentary from @Cryptoinsightuk, it’s worth considering that Ripple may have had opportunities to work with SWIFT in the past. During or even before the SEC lawsuit, there could have been talks between the two. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently said that Ripple aims to take 14% of SWIFT’s global payments volume – a bold statement that came just before SWIFT began publicly discussing its need for blockchain-based settlement.
The timing is interesting, in any case. Was Ripple approached and did they reject a deal, opting instead to compete directly? That possibility is now on the table.
If we in the $XRP community are right that Ethereum, ConsenSys, and even Gensler had something to do with the SEC lawsuit against Ripple, and now we see ConsenSys potentially building with SWIFT, doesn’t it make sense to consider two possibilities?
— Cryptoinsightuk (@Cryptoinsightuk) September 29, 2025
First, SWIFT may have realized… https://t.co/eOhbBtgZwq
Trust in SWIFT Is Shifting
There’s also the matter of global trust. Russia, cut off from SWIFT due to sanctions, is unlikely to ever use the system again, even if relations improve in the future. Other nations are watching closely, with alternatives like China’s CIPS being explored. The problem, however, is that none of these rivals have the liquidity or global reach that SWIFT commands.
This is where Ripple could make its move. By positioning itself as a neutral settlement layer, Ripple and XRP could bridge gaps where SWIFT’s dominance is weakening, offering a more flexible and liquid solution for cross-border payments.
Ripple’s Strategy Going Forward
The idea, as outlined by Cryptoinsightuk, is that Ripple may be playing the long game. Rather than being absorbed by SWIFT, it could be setting itself up as the primary competitor, targeting corridors where SWIFT’s trust and influence are fading. With the lawsuit now in the rearview mirror, Ripple is freer than ever to push for global adoption.
For now, nothing is confirmed, and much of this remains speculative. But one thing is clear: the global payments landscape is shifting. With SWIFT embracing ConsenSys and Ripple openly aiming for market share, the battle for the future of cross-border settlement may just be getting started.