Skip to content
- Ripple targets 14% of SWIFT’s liquidity for the XRP Ledger in five years.
- XRP focuses on facilitating liquidity, not replacing SWIFT’s messaging.
- Ripple introduces a sidechain compatible with Ethereum’s EVM.
At the XRP Ledger Apex 2025 summit held in Singapore, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse outlined a bold vision for the XRP Ledger (XRPL). He stated that XRPL could secure up to 14% of SWIFT’s global liquidity within the next five years. His remarks came during a media session focused on Ripple’s strategy in the evolving digital payments space.
Garlinghouse clarified that Ripple is not attempting to replace SWIFT’s messaging system. Instead, Ripple wants to strengthen XRP’s position as a liquidity driver. In his view, the key opportunity lies in solving liquidity issues across financial institutions, not in competing with SWIFT’s long-standing message protocol.
RippleNet, Ripple’s payment network, is already used by several banks worldwide. However, usage of XRP itself through On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) remains relatively narrow. This gap reflects a broader hesitation among traditional banks when it comes to adopting digital assets directly.
XRP Transactions Cost Less Than SWIFT
The two core functions of SWIFT, messaging and liquidity, serve different needs. Ripple’s leadership made it clear that they are not targeting the communication layer. Instead, they see greater value in providing liquidity through XRPL’s fast and low-cost settlement network. XRPL can process cross-border transactions in about three to five seconds.
In contrast, SWIFT often takes days to complete similar transfers. The cost difference is also stark. XRP fees remain a fraction of a cent per transaction, compared to SWIFT’s fees that can range from $20 to $50. Even though no formal partnership exists between Ripple and SWIFT, a future connection is not off the table.
SWIFT’s upcoming adoption of ISO 20022 by November 2025 could open doors for interoperability with blockchain systems like XRPL. This standard aims to modernize and harmonize financial data formats across the globe. For Ripple, it could be the missing link for wider adoption.
Ripple Expands XRPL Capabilities
Beyond payment rails, Ripple is pushing new technical features into the XRPL ecosystem. At Apex 2025, the company revealed an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible sidechain. This new sidechain will allow developers to build applications using Ethereum tools while leveraging XRPL’s speed and cost advantages.
Ripple is also increasing support for tokenized real-world assets. These include instruments like US Treasuries. The move shows Ripple’s intent to play a larger role in capital markets. In parallel, Ripple is still entangled in its legal fight with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
A 60-day settlement pause began in April, and both parties must update the court by June 16. The outcome could shape Ripple’s next steps. Ripple’s path forward is ambitious. While technical growth continues, clarity on the legal front remains essential.
Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Strategic Shift in 2025: Why Dolphins Are Dominating Accumulation
