SWIFT Builds Blockchain Ledger with Consensys & 30+ Banks

Why Blockchain, and Why Now?

The decision to build a blockchain ledger comes at a time when the global financial sector is seeking more efficient ways to settle transactions. Traditional systems often suffer from delays, high costs, and a lack of transparency. Blockchain offers a compelling solution by providing a shared, immutable ledger that multiple parties can access in real-time.

Partnering with Consensys gives SWIFT access to deep Ethereum expertise, smart contract development, and Web3 infrastructure. This alliance ensures the new system aligns with the current needs of financial institutions, while also preparing them for a decentralized future.

This move also supports SWIFT’s ongoing experiments with tokenized asset settlements, showing a clear intent to integrate blockchain-based financial instruments into the mainstream banking sector.

Industry Impact and What’s Next

More than 30 banks—including some of the world’s largest—are already on board, signaling strong industry support. This effort is not just a test or a pilot; it’s a clear signal that blockchain technology is becoming a core part of the financial industry’s infrastructure.

SWIFT’s blockchain ledger could also serve as a backbone for future innovations such as central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenized securities. If successful, it may lay the groundwork for a new era of interoperable, blockchain-powered finance.