SWIFT’s upcoming tests with Ripple's XRP Ledger could revolutionise cross-border payments

Payments2127 words10 min readabout 3 hours ago

Recent developments indicate SWIFT’s plans to integrate with Ripple’s XRP Ledger, promising faster, cheaper international transactions and a significant shift in global financial infrastructure.

Recent independent research carried out by market analyst SMQKE has pulled the spotlight back onto Ripple’s XRP Ledger, especially amid some recent developments involving SWIFT, which, as you might know, is the major global financial messaging network. Now, SWIFT recently announced that it’s planning to create its own standalone blockchain. But, and here’s the interesting part, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re avoiding collaborations with other blockchain projects. In fact, SWIFT has scheduled testing for potential integrations with Ripple’s XRP and Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) come the fourth quarter of 2025. The goal is to tackle those persistent issues like sluggish cross-border payments and hefty transaction fees.

It's pretty exciting because if these integrations between SWIFT and Ripple's XRP Ledger really take off, they could change the face of international payments — making them much faster and less costly in the process. At the moment, a typical XRP Ledger transaction costs around $0.00003—an extremely small fee, with the base transaction fee set at just 0.00001 XRP. Meanwhile, SWIFT’s old-school messaging system normally charges anywhere from $20 to $50 per transaction and can take three to four days to settle. So, leveraging the XRP Ledger’s ability to process payments quickly and cheaply could be a game-changer. In fact, Ripple’s XRP Ledger handles over $10 billion in transfers daily, which far surpasses Hedera Hashgraph’s roughly $200 million per day volume, making XRP a pretty strong candidate for scalable financial messaging.

What’s more, the use of XRP on SWIFT isn’t just some far-off concept. There are already third-party solutions, like PaymentSafe, which facilitate moving XRP across the SWIFT network through something called Straight-Through Processing, or STP. PaymentSafe acts almost like a universal translator, converting payment formats and letting XRP be used without needing major system overhauls. The fact that XRP is ISO 20022-compatible and aligns well with SWIFT’s upcoming standards really highlights its potential as a multi-currency bridge when it comes to financial communication.

Beyond that interoperability angle, XRP’s technical features set it apart from many other cryptocurrencies. For example, its ledger can process transactions in roughly 3 to 5 seconds — way faster than Bitcoin’s usual ten-minute confirmation times or Ethereum’s typical 13 to 15 seconds, even before Ethereum 2.0 upgrades are factored in. The XRP Ledger can handle up to 1,500 transactions every second, which beats Bitcoin’s 7 and outperforms Ethereum’s speed before the network upgrade. And this high performance doesn’t hinge on mining or heavy proof-of-work calculations, which is a huge plus. As a result, the transaction costs stay well below a penny, making the system both cost-effective and scalable.

Interestingly enough, the fees on the XRP Ledger serve more purposes than just paying for transactions. They’re tiny amounts of XRP that are actually burned — destroyed — instead of being paid out. This process discourages spam attacks on the network and at the same time gradually reduces XRP’s total supply over time. It’s a different approach compared to other blockchain fee models, and it helps keep the ledger sustainable and secure.

Looking at recent data from the first quarter of 2024, activity on the XRP Ledger has been booming. Transaction volumes jumped by a hefty 108%, reaching about 251 million transactions compared to the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the average cost per transaction fell by about 45%, dropping just below $0.001. Even with the surge in activity, there’s no sign of network congestion — which is pretty impressive. These figures clearly demonstrate the ledger’s capacity to support high-volume, low-cost transactions, a vital feature for large-scale financial infrastructure.

And, of course, SWIFT’s exploration of blockchain solutions, including testing both XRP and HBAR, shows that it’s more of an evolving strategy rather than an exclusive move. While developing its own blockchain platform, SWIFT seems to be hedging its bets by exploring well-established, efficient networks like Ripple’s XRP Ledger. This indicates a shift in the financial market infrastructure landscape, aiming for more interoperable blockchain solutions that can make cross-border payments quicker and cheaper.

Honestly, it’s pretty interesting, right? The ongoing moves—well, at least to me—hint at a future where different blockchain systems work more closely together to streamline international financial transactions. I find it surprising that major players like SWIFT are openly exploring these options, but it makes sense given the persistent demand for faster, cheaper cross-border payments. The actual impact and timing are still to be seen, but the signs point toward a big shift ahead.

Source: Noah Wire Services

Verification / Sources

https://dailycoin.com/xrp-analyst-swift-isnt-picking-sides-on-integration/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://xrpauthority.com/xrps-unique-technology-how-it-works/xrps-speed-and-scalability-compared-to-other-cryptos/ - This article compares the XRP Ledger's transaction speed and scalability to other cryptocurrencies. It highlights that XRP transactions settle in 3 to 5 seconds, significantly faster than Bitcoin's approximately 10 minutes per block confirmation. Additionally, XRP's average transaction fee is a fraction of a cent, around 0.00001 XRP, making it more cost-effective than Bitcoin and Ethereum, which can have higher fees during network congestion. The article also notes that XRP can process up to 1,500 transactions per second, surpassing Bitcoin's 7 transactions per second and Ethereum's pre-2.0 throughput of 13–15 seconds per block.
https://xrpauthority.com/david-schwartz-and-the-creation-of-the-xrp-ledger/how-the-xrp-ledger-achieves-fast-and-cheap-transactions/ - This article explains how the XRP Ledger achieves fast and inexpensive transactions. It details that the XRP Ledger's base transaction cost is set at 0.00001 XRP, which serves as a deterrent against spam attacks rather than a source of revenue. These fees are automatically destroyed (burned), reducing the total supply of XRP over time. The article also discusses how the XRP Ledger's efficient architecture, with no mining and no need for computationally expensive proof-of-work algorithms, allows the network to process transactions quickly and at low costs, making it ideal for enterprise-level applications, including microtransactions and cross-border remittances.
https://xrpauthority.com/education/what-is-xrp-the-ultimate-beginners-guide/how-xrp-transactions-work-speed-costs/ - This article provides an overview of how XRP transactions work, focusing on speed and costs. It compares XRP's transaction speed and costs to those of Bitcoin and Ethereum, noting that XRP transactions settle in 3 to 5 seconds, while Bitcoin transactions take approximately 10 minutes and Ethereum transactions can take 13–15 seconds. The article also highlights that XRP's average transaction fee is a fraction of a cent, around 0.00001 XRP, making it more cost-effective than Bitcoin and Ethereum, which can have higher fees during network congestion. Additionally, XRP can process up to 1,500 transactions per second, surpassing Bitcoin's 7 transactions per second and Ethereum's pre-2.0 throughput of 13–15 seconds per block.
https://xrpauthority.com/education/the-xrp-ledger-how-it-works-why-it-matters/xrp-ledger-vs-bitcoin-blockchain-key-differencescomparing-the-xrp-ledgers-speed-and-efficiency-to-bitcoins-blockchain/ - This article compares the XRP Ledger's speed and efficiency to Bitcoin's blockchain. It notes that XRP transactions are confirmed within 3 to 5 seconds, while Bitcoin's transactions can take approximately 10 minutes. The article also highlights that XRP can process up to 1,500 transactions per second, significantly outpacing Bitcoin's 7 transactions per second. Additionally, XRP's transaction costs are a fraction of a cent, making it more cost-effective than Bitcoin, which can have higher fees during network congestion. The article attributes these advantages to the XRP Ledger's consensus protocol, which allows for near-instant finality without requiring extensive computational work.
https://xrpl.org/docs/concepts/transactions/fees - This official XRP Ledger documentation explains the fee structure of the network. It details that the transaction cost, sometimes called the transaction fee, is a minuscule amount of XRP destroyed to send a transaction. This cost scales with the load of the network, which protects the peer-to-peer network from spam. The document also discusses the reserve requirement, which is a minimum amount of XRP that an account must hold. These fees are not paid to anyone but are destroyed, reducing the total supply of XRP over time. The document emphasizes that the rules of the XRP Ledger include several types of fees, including neutral fees that protect the ledger against abuse.
https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/article/xrp-ledger-transaction-volume-soars-and-transaction-costs-plummet-in-q1-2024 - This article reports on the XRP Ledger's performance in Q1 2024. It discloses that on-chain transaction activity on the XRPL surged by 108% in Q1 2024, with approximately 251.39 million transactions recorded compared to 121.03 million in Q4 2023. In addition to the spike in transaction volume, the average cost per transaction witnessed a significant decline of 45%, reaching approximately $0.000856. The report highlights that this decrease in average transaction cost indicated a reset and demonstrated that no network congestion occurred during the quarter. The article also briefly addresses the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative references recent developments, including SWIFT's announcement of building a standalone blockchain and testing integrations with Ripple's XRP and Hedera Hashgraph in Q4 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 2, 2025, indicating the information is current. The report cites an independent research by market analyst SMQKE, which adds credibility to the freshness of the content. However, the report also mentions that SWIFT has scheduled testing for potential integrations with Ripple’s XRP and Hedera Hashgraph in the fourth quarter of 2025, which may indicate that the content is based on a press release. Press releases typically warrant a high freshness score but may lack originality. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative does not appear to be recycled from low-quality sites or clickbait networks. Overall, the freshness score is high, but the potential reliance on a press release suggests a need for further verification.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: The report includes direct quotes from SMQKE, such as:

"SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) recently drew attention to XRP’s functional positioning within the distributed ledger ecosystem by sharing an academic visual taxonomy of ledgers."

A search for the earliest known usage of this quote indicates that it originates from SMQKE's own social media post dated May 31, 2025. This suggests that the quotes are original and not reused from other sources. No variations in wording were found, and no online matches were identified for identical quotes elsewhere. Therefore, the quotes are likely original or exclusive content.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from DailyCoin, a cryptocurrency-focused news outlet. While DailyCoin provides coverage on cryptocurrency topics, it is not as widely recognized as major news organizations like the Financial Times, Reuters, or the BBC. The report cites an independent research by market analyst SMQKE, which adds credibility. However, SMQKE's findings are presented without external verification, and the report does not provide links to the original research. Additionally, the report mentions that SWIFT has scheduled testing for potential integrations with Ripple’s XRP and Hedera Hashgraph in the fourth quarter of 2025, which may indicate that the content is based on a press release. Press releases typically warrant a high freshness score but may lack originality. Given these factors, the source reliability score is moderate.

Plausability check

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative discusses SWIFT's exploration of blockchain technologies, including potential integrations with Ripple's XRP and Hedera Hashgraph. This aligns with SWIFT's previous announcements about testing digital asset transactions and its transition to the ISO 20022 messaging standard. However, the report's claim that SWIFT is not 'picking sides' on integration is not directly supported by the cited sources. While SWIFT has conducted trials with various blockchain technologies, it has not explicitly stated a preference for any specific solution. The report also mentions that SWIFT has scheduled testing for potential integrations with Ripple’s XRP and Hedera Hashgraph in the fourth quarter of 2025, which may indicate that the content is based on a press release. Press releases typically warrant a high freshness score but may lack originality. Given these considerations, the plausibility score is moderate.

Overall assessment

Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents current developments regarding SWIFT's exploration of blockchain technologies, including potential integrations with Ripple's XRP and Hedera Hashgraph. The information is recent, with the earliest known publication date of similar content being October 2, 2025. The quotes are original, sourced from SMQKE's own social media post dated May 31, 2025. However, the report originates from DailyCoin, a cryptocurrency-focused news outlet, and cites SMQKE's research without external verification. Additionally, the report mentions that SWIFT has scheduled testing for potential integrations with Ripple’s XRP and Hedera Hashgraph in the fourth quarter of 2025, which may indicate that the content is based on a press release. Press releases typically warrant a high freshness score but may lack originality. Given these factors, the overall assessment is 'OPEN' with a medium confidence level.

Article Insights

Keywords

SWIFTRipple's XRP LedgerCross-Border PaymentsBlockchain IntegrationFinancial Infrastructure

Main Themes

SWIFT
Ripple's XRP Ledger
Cross-Border Payments
Blockchain Integration
Financial Infrastructure

Mentioned In This Article

People

SMQKE

Share this article

Recommended Articles

Swift's blockchain initiative accelerates the case for Ripple as the dominant cross-border payment network

Payments1612 words8 min readabout 2 hours ago

Swift's recent move to integrate blockchain into its infrastructure highlights the growing operational and regulatory advantages of Ripple's XRP Ledger, signalling a shift in the future of global financial messaging systems.Swift's recent move to integrate a blockchain-based shared ledger into its infrastructure marks a significant step toward modernizing global financial messaging. However, examining this development closely reveals important implications for the existing blockchain-based payment networks, particularly Ripple and its XRP Ledger (XRPL). Announced in September 2025, Swift's initiative involved collaboration with over 30 financial institutions and the development of a prototype alongside ConsenSys utilizing Ethereum technology. The aim is to extend Swift's trusted reputation into the digital asset domain—facilitating secure, instant cross-border transactions—while maintaining resilience, compliance, and trust at its core. Despite the innovative potential, blockchain analysts highlight substantial challenges for Swift. Ethereum, serving as the backbone of their prototype ledger, continues to grapple with high transaction fees and scalability issues, which hinder its feasibility as a complete replacement for traditional systems in the near term. An industry expert pointed out that Ethereum’s experimental solutions are not yet sufficiently fast or cost-efficient for institutional needs, especially compared to Ripple's XRP Ledger, which already demonstrates superior performance. XRPL processes transactions in just three to five seconds at very low costs, and it’s presently used across international payment corridors, supported by partnerships with more than 100 banks, financial institutions, and payment providers worldwide. This real-world utilization starkly contrasts with Swift’s blockchain endeavors, which remain in pilot stages and have yet to scale to handle live transactional volumes effectively. Compliance management is another critical area. Swift's new blockchain model seeks to meet regulatory standards, but experts argue Ripple offers a more robust approach. Ripple integrates the DNA protocol, enabling verified digital identities, zero-knowledge proofs, and compliance mechanisms that ensure adherence to AML and KYC requirements while maintaining user privacy. This integrated approach provides a compelling advantage over Swift’s more nascent blockchain efforts. Further strengthening Ripple’s position is the recent legal clarity following its resolution of the SEC lawsuit in August 2025. This legal certainty has catalyzed increased institutional engagement. Ripple has aligned its technology with ISO 20022, the global messaging standard, and expanded its ecosystem—highlighted by the launch of the RLUSD stablecoin in December 2024 and ongoing applications for banking licenses. These developments underscore that institutions are prioritizing infrastructure that reduces costs, enhances efficiency, and enforces regulatory compliance. Ripple’s solutions—RippleNet and the XRP Ledger—already fulfill these criteria and are gradually expanding their global footprint. The disparity in operational capabilities is notable. XRPL can process over 100,000 transactions per second under laboratory conditions, far surpassing Swift’s traditional messaging system, which handles approximately 5 to 7 transactions per second. This scalability, combined with rapid transaction confirmation, underpins Ripple’s growing adoption, driven by real-world trials and institutional partnerships. Its technology now supports cross-border settlements for banks like Santander and Standard Chartered, bolstered by the strategic deployment of the RLUSD stablecoin and other innovations. Additionally, Ripple’s strategic partnerships are pivotal. In July 2025, Ripple partnered with Eastnets, a provider of secure compliance and payment solutions, giving it direct access to global banking infrastructure and regulatory channels. This alliance connecting Ripple to SWIFT, central banks, and the World Economic Forum enhances its influence on global standards. By integrating Ripple’s blockchain technology into Eastnets' PaymentSafe platform, Ripple positions itself as a complementary and enabling technology within the existing financial infrastructure rather than just a challenger. The operational and regulatory advantages translate into real-world institutional interest. Following the SEC resolution, Ripple has attracted substantial capital inflows, with XRP’s market capitalization soaring by 176% to $176 billion. Its network is actively used for cross-border payments by major banks, and significant projects like the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority’s pilot of Ripple’s xCurrent technology aim to save up to $400 million annually compared to SWIFT. While Swift's blockchain initiative indicates a recognition of the need for modernization, it remains experimental and unproven at scale. Conversely, Ripple’s technology has moved beyond testing—being operational within major financial institutions, meeting regulatory standards, and consistently delivering scalable and cost-effective solutions. Industry experts see Swift’s efforts less as an immediate threat to established blockchain payment solutions like Ripple and more as evidence that a systemic overhaul of financial messaging infrastructure is inevitable. For institutions seeking a practical, ready-to-deploy infrastructure, XRP and the XRP Ledger stand out as mature, regulation-compliant, and scalable options capable of supporting immediate integration. References: - Paragraph 1 – Investorempires, Swift News - Paragraph 2 – Investorempires, CoinLaw - Paragraph 3 – Investorempires, RIPA Authority - Paragraph 4 – Investorempires, CoinCentral, Cryplytics - Paragraph 5 – CoinLaw, SuperEx News - Paragraph 6 – CoinCentral, SuperEx News - Paragraph 7 – Investorempires, Swift News, RIPA Authority Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://investorempires.com/swifts-blockchain-move-is-positive-for-ripple-why-xrp-is-still-the-better-option/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=swifts-blockchain-move-is-positive-for-ripple-why-xrp-is-still-the-better-option - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.swift.com/news-events/news/swift-introduces-blockchain-based-ledger - In September 2025, SWIFT announced the integration of a blockchain-based shared ledger into its infrastructure, aiming to facilitate instant, always-on cross-border transactions globally. This initiative involves collaboration with over 30 financial institutions and a conceptual prototype developed with ConsenSys. The ledger is designed to extend SWIFT's role into the digital realm, enabling secure movement of tokenised value across digital ecosystems, while maintaining trust, resilience, and compliance synonymous with SWIFT. https://coinlaw.io/xrp-vs-swift-statistics/ - A comparative analysis between XRP and SWIFT highlights several key differences. The XRP Ledger processes transactions in 3.8 seconds with a 99% success rate, while SWIFT handles approximately 5–7 transactions per second. Ripple's network usage spiked by 38% in 2025, driven by integration with DeFi and tokenised assets. Additionally, Ripple's internal testing successfully simulated over 100,000 transactions per second under laboratory conditions, showcasing its scalability. https://xrpauthority.com/news/ripple-establishes-strategic-partnership-connecting-with-swift-central-banks-and-the-world-economic-forum/ - In July 2025, Ripple partnered with Eastnets, a provider of secure compliance and payment solutions, gaining direct access to global banking infrastructure and regulatory channels. This alliance connects Ripple to SWIFT, central banks, and the World Economic Forum, enhancing its influence on global blockchain standards and financial policy. The integration of Ripple's blockchain technology into Eastnets' PaymentSafe platform positions Ripple as a complementary technology to existing financial infrastructures. https://coincentral.com/ripple-challenges-swift-payment-network-after-sec-legal-settlement/ - Following the resolution of its SEC legal battle in August 2025, Ripple is positioning itself as a challenger to SWIFT's dominance in global payments. The regulatory clarity gained has led to increased institutional interest, with BlackRock participating as a featured speaker at Ripple's Swell 2025 conference. Additionally, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority piloted Ripple's xCurrent technology for cross-border payments, potentially saving Saudi banks up to $400 million annually compared to using SWIFT. https://news.superex.com/articles/523.html - The XRP Ledger has emerged as a significant institutional payment infrastructure following the resolution of Ripple's SEC lawsuit in August 2025. This regulatory clarity has led to substantial institutional capital inflows, with XRP's market capitalization surging by 176% to $176 billion. RippleNet partners, including Santander and Standard Chartered, utilize the network for cross-border settlements, while the launch of the RLUSD stablecoin in December 2024 has further solidified XRP's position in the financial sector. https://cryplytics.com/blog/swift-vs-xrp/ - A comparative analysis between SWIFT and XRP reveals distinct differences in regulatory landscapes and real-world adoption. SWIFT operates under comprehensive regulatory oversight, including supervision by the European Central Bank and compliance with FATF recommendations. In contrast, XRP has achieved regulatory clarity in several jurisdictions, such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The XRP community achieved a significant milestone in 2023 when a U.S. federal judge ruled that XRP sales to retail investors do not constitute securities transactions, providing crucial regulatory clarity. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 7 Notes: 🕰️ The narrative references Swift's blockchain integration announced in September 2025, which aligns with recent developments. However, the article was published on October 3, 2025, suggesting a freshness score of 7 due to the proximity of publication to the event. The content appears original, with no evidence of being recycled from other sources. Quotes check Score: 8 Notes: 📝 The article includes direct quotes from Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, such as his projection that the XRP Ledger could capture 14% of SWIFT's global liquidity within five years. These quotes are consistent with statements made by Garlinghouse in June 2025. (ccn.com) No significant variations in wording were found, indicating the quotes are accurately reproduced. Source reliability Score: 4 Notes: ⚠️ The narrative originates from Investorempires.com, a platform that aggregates content from various sources. While it provides references to other reputable outlets, the site's own credibility is uncertain due to limited information about its editorial standards and ownership. This raises concerns about the reliability of the original reporting. Plausability check Score: 6 Notes: ✅ The claims regarding Swift's blockchain integration and Ripple's market position are plausible and supported by recent industry developments. However, the article's tone is somewhat promotional, which may indicate a bias towards Ripple's perspective. The lack of direct quotes from Swift representatives or independent experts limits the depth of analysis. Additionally, the article's structure includes detailed technical comparisons that may distract from the main points. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM Summary: ⚠️ The narrative presents plausible claims about Swift's blockchain integration and Ripple's market position, supported by recent developments. However, the source's reliability is questionable due to limited information about Investorempires.com's editorial standards. The article's promotional tone and lack of diverse expert opinions suggest potential bias. Further verification from more reputable sources is recommended to confirm the accuracy of the claims.

BBVA and SWIFT partnership aims to revolutionise cross-border payments with blockchain

Payments1563 words7 min readabout 2 hours ago

BBVA collaborates with SWIFT and ConsenSys to develop a new blockchain-based network designed to facilitate real-time, secure, and cost-effective international transactions, marking a significant step towards digital financial integration.BBVA has teamed up with SWIFT to bring blockchain technology into the fold of the global financial infrastructure. The main goal here? To make international transactions as quick, efficient, and secure as those we do domestically. This new network, which was developed in partnership with ConsenSys— a company well-known for its blockchain solutions— will function as a shared, ultra-secure digital ledger. It records cross-border transactions in real time using smart contracts, effectively cutting out middlemen and bringing down costs. What’s really notable is that this network will support 24/7 payment processing, stablecoins, and the transfer of tokenized financial assets—think digital currencies, bonds, or deposits—across blockchain networks instantly. Plus, everything will be fully traceable. This step is seen as a vital move toward creating interoperable financial systems that align with SWIFT’s standards for regulation and governance. The aim is to boost transparency, security, and speed—especially in areas like business-to-business payments, international remittances, and settling assets. Now, integrating a blockchain-based ledger into SWIFT’s current setup signals a clear strategy to push digital finance adoption worldwide. The project is still in its prototype phase, with ongoing development and testing of real-world use cases to make sure this tech can be smoothly incorporated into the broader global financial system. By collaborating with ConsenSys—businesses that excel in decentralized applications—they’re working towards building a platform capable of connecting current and future networks. Essentially, they want a payment system that’s more agile, inclusive, and capable of operating around the clock, all while relying less on traditional middlemen. BBVA’s involvement in this blockchain initiative is a reflection of its broader commitment to digital innovation and embracing new tech in finance. Beyond just this SWIFT partnership, BBVA has also been expanding its crypto and blockchain capabilities through different strategic alliances. For example, in Switzerland, BBVA partnered with Metaco to improve its digital asset custody services. They use Metaco’s Harmonize™ platform integrated with Avaloq’s banking software, giving institutional clients a way to securely buy, sell, and safely hold cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum—regulatory compliance included. And it doesn’t stop there. BBVA has teamed up with Ripple to enhance its crypto-asset trading services, making it possible for customers in Spain to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies directly through mobile apps. That’s a big deal—improving accessibility to digital assets. Additionally, BBVA is very active in blockchain governance and ecosystem development within Europe and Spain. They are among the founding members of IATBA—the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications—which is backed by the European Commission. This forum works to promote blockchain interoperability, develop sector-specific guidelines, and support Europe’s overall blockchain strategy. Back home, BBVA helped launch the Lyra Network, Spain’s first multisectoral blockchain consortium. This group focuses on developing open-code platforms for distributed ledger technology, initially working on digital ID systems that comply with regulations. Their goal? To facilitate secure, trusted data sharing among different network participants. All in all, these initiatives make BBVA a key player in pushing blockchain into traditional financial services. Their multi-pronged approach—joining global consortia, deploying practical solutions like crypto custody, and getting involved in asset tokenization—shows their strategic aim to lead in digital finance. It’s all about better efficiency, stronger security, and broader financial inclusion across borders. 📌 Reference Map: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [2], [3] - Paragraph 2 – [2], [3], [1] - Paragraph 3 – [1], [4], [7] - Paragraph 4 – [5], [6], [1] Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://www.bbva.com/en/innovation/bbva-partners-with-swift-to-embed-blockchain-technology-in-the-global-financial-system/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.swift.com/news-events/press-releases/swift-add-blockchain-based-ledger-its-infrastructure-stack-groundbreaking-move-accelerate-and-scale-benefits-digital-finance - SWIFT is integrating a blockchain-based ledger into its infrastructure to enhance digital finance globally. This initiative aims to provide real-time, secure international transactions without intermediaries, operating 24/7. The system will support stablecoins and tokenized financial assets, enabling instant, secure, and traceable transfers across blockchain networks. Collaborating with ConsenSys, SWIFT is developing and testing use cases to assess integration into the global financial system, focusing on business-to-business payments, international remittances, and asset settlement. The goal is to create a financial system where international transactions are as agile and secure as local ones, ensuring interoperability and compliance with SWIFT's governance standards. Financial institutions will be able to offer these services securely, enhancing efficiency and transparency in cross-border payments. https://www.swift.com/news-events/news/swift-introduces-blockchain-based-ledger - SWIFT has introduced a blockchain-based ledger to revolutionize cross-border payments. This shared, secure digital ledger allows banks to record international transactions in real-time, validating them through smart contracts. The system operates 24/7, reducing costs and eliminating intermediaries. It supports transactions with stablecoins and tokenized financial assets, enabling instant, secure, and traceable transfers across blockchain networks. Collaborating with ConsenSys, SWIFT is developing and testing use cases to integrate this technology into the global financial system, focusing on business-to-business payments, international remittances, and asset settlement. The initiative aims to make international financial transactions as agile and secure as local ones, ensuring interoperability and compliance with SWIFT's governance standards. https://www.bbva.com/en/innovation/bbva-partners-with-metaco-to-strengthen-its-cryptoasset-services-in-switzerland/ - BBVA Switzerland has partnered with blockchain company Metaco to enhance its digital asset custody services. This collaboration involves hosting BBVA's digital asset custody service on Metaco's Harmonize™ platform, offering greater operational agility and security. The move allows BBVA to expand its range of services, including trading and custody of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, to meet the needs of institutional clients. Metaco's platform is integrated with Avaloq's Crypto Assets platform and Core Banking system, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This partnership signifies BBVA's commitment to advancing its crypto strategy and providing robust, compliant platforms for digital asset services. https://www.bbva.com/en/innovation/bbva-joins-launch-of-eu-blockchain-platform/ - BBVA is among the first five banks invited to join a blockchain forum organized by the European Commission in Brussels, leading to the launch of the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (IATBA). This publicly promoted initiative aims to bring together companies interested in exploring the potential of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies to transform digital services globally. The association will work to promote interoperability between these technologies, develop sector-specific guidelines and protocols, and provide information for the implementation of Europe’s blockchain strategy. BBVA's participation underscores its commitment to advancing blockchain technology and its applications in the financial sector. https://www.bbva.com/en/bbva-joins-lyra-network-first-spanish-blockchain-consortium/ - BBVA is a founding member of the Lyra Network, Spain’s first multisectoral consortium focused on creating a cross-cutting, open-code, and neutral platform based on blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT). The initiative aims to develop a network for new DLT-based services, ensuring compliance with Spanish regulations. The first project of the Lyra Network focuses on developing a digital identification system that can be safely shared by all members, ensuring full compliance with Spanish regulatory requirements. The network is established as a non-profit organization, offering a shared, semi-public platform for developing projects and providing services with necessary identification guarantees. https://www.fintechfutures.com/blockchain-crypto-digital-assets/bbva-taps-ripple-for-crypto-custody-tech - Spanish banking giant BBVA has partnered with Ripple to enhance its digital asset custody services. The agreement involves adopting Ripple's Custody solution, designed to help financial institutions store, manage, and transact with tokenized assets, including cryptocurrencies. BBVA has been active in the crypto space, offering crypto trading and custody services in Switzerland and Turkey. The partnership with Ripple aims to bolster BBVA's crypto-asset trading and custody service, enabling users in Spain to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through its mobile app. This collaboration reflects BBVA's commitment to expanding its digital asset services and leveraging blockchain technology. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 8 Notes: The narrative was published on October 3, 2025, and references a press release from September 29, 2025. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is September 29, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has not been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The update may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. (cincodias.elpais.com) Quotes check Score: 9 Notes: The direct quotes in the narrative match those found in the press release from September 29, 2025. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were found. Source reliability Score: 10 Notes: The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, BBVA, and references a press release from SWIFT, a well-established financial messaging network. This strengthens the credibility of the report. Plausability check Score: 9 Notes: The claims about BBVA's partnership with SWIFT to integrate blockchain technology into the global financial system are plausible and align with recent developments in the financial sector. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH Summary: The narrative is fresh, with no significant discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The quotes are original, and the source is reliable. The claims are plausible, with minor concerns about the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets.

Standard Chartered’s custodian role in Polygon’s new tokenized MMF signals shift towards mainstream DeFi integration

Digital1667 words8 min readabout 6 hours ago

Standard Chartered Bank has become the custodian for a regulated digital money market fund on the Polygon blockchain, marking a notable step in blending traditional finance with decentralised platforms amid growing institutional interest.Standard Chartered Bank's recent involvement as the custodian for a newly launched tokenized money market fund (MMF) on the Polygon blockchain has definitely caught some attention, especially with market interest buzzing during the so-called "Uptober" period. The fund, known as Real Yield Token (RYT), was created through a collaboration involving AlloyX, Polygon Labs, and Standard Chartered. This partnership illustrates a growing integration of decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional regulated finance channels. RYT is interesting because it’s a regulated digital asset that combines the transparency of blockchain with the oversight and custody protections of traditional funds. AlloyX explains that this fund connects DeFi liquidity pools with an audited framework for cash management. It aims to offer institutional-grade yields with quick, daily settlements (that is, T+1). The fund itself is backed by AAA-rated assets managed by China Asset Management, or ChinaAMC, and standard custody and recordkeeping are handled by Standard Chartered. The initiative is supported technically by Polygon Labs, which also works to grow the ecosystem. At launch, RYT was initially exclusive to Polygon, with plans to eventually expand across multiple chains. To keep everything transparent and compliant, AlloyX has integrated Chainlink’s Proof of Reserve and NAVLink services. These tools allow real-time, publicly accessible tracking of the assets backing RYT as well as its valuation—addressing common concerns from institutions about the transparency of on-chain products that deal with real-world assets (RWA). These kinds of improvements help foster trust, especially in a space where combining DeFi and traditional finance is still unfolding, and there’s demand from both retail and institutional investors. This move fits well with Standard Chartered’s broader strategy in digital assets, which already includes established regulated spot trading services for institutional clients and a new custody business within the EU. Their active participation in tokenized MMFs and collateral programs shows a commitment to developing secure, bank-grade infrastructure for tokenization and collateral management—something that could accelerate institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial products. Meanwhile, Polygon’s POL token has reacted positively to this news, trading close to $0.241—a modest increase of around 3–4% over the past 24 hours. The network has recently completed the migration from MATIC to POL, with almost total conversion, which signals that the ecosystem is now more streamlined and ready for bigger institutional use cases. Activity on-chain remains high—hundreds of thousands of daily active addresses, millions of daily transactions, and a multi-billion-dollar stablecoin float (stablecoins in circulation). Since 2023, the daily volume of stablecoins on Polygon has shot up by over 900%, highlighting its speed and low costs as ideal features for real-world asset issuance and transfer. From a technical perspective, POL seems to be attempting a cautious bullish reversal after a downward streak. Resistance is observed near its 100-day exponential moving average (EMA), while support is building around the 50-EMA. Breaking above roughly $0.245 could be a sign of ongoing recovery, possibly pushing prices back toward previous highs near $0.27. Trading volumes have picked up too, which is usually a good indicator that investor interest might be growing for Polygon’s longer-term prospects. Still, the overall trend is somewhat uncertain—markets continue to fluctuate, and caution remains warranted. This launch ties into a broader landscape of innovation around tokenized financial products. For example, AlloyX recently partnered with Safeheron to bolster institutional-grade security and cryptographic self-custody solutions for RWAs like RYT. Plus, Solowin Holdings, which acquired AlloyX earlier this year, has ambitions to reach US$1 billion in assets under management for the tokenized MMF by 2025 through various blockchain integrations, including Polygon, Arbitrum, and Solana. All in all, these developments underline Polygon’s expanding role as a key infrastructure platform that connects regulated traditional finance with decentralized asset frameworks. The mixture of transparent, compliant products like RYT, custody handled by a global bank like Standard Chartered, and Polygon’s scalable blockchain architecture—well, it’s a pretty significant step forward in the maturing of real-world asset markets on-chain. Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://99bitcoins.com/news/altcoins/is-standard-chartered-set-to-pump-polygon-pol-price-prediction-for-uptober/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.alloyx.com/post/alloyx-integrates-chainlink-standard-to-enhance-transparency-of-ryt - AlloyX, a Hong Kong-based Web3 financial technology company, has integrated Chainlink's Proof of Reserve and NAVLink services into its Real Yield Token (RYT), a tokenized money market fund. This integration, live on both Arbitrum and Polygon chains, provides real-time, verifiable transparency for RWA-backed tokens. Users can verify that RYT is sufficiently backed by off-chain AAA-rated assets managed by ChinaAMC and custodied by Standard Chartered. The NAVLink feed ensures that the value of RYT remains accurate, auditable, and aligned with its underlying holdings, enhancing compliance-focused, secure, and transparent RWA ecosystem on-chain. https://polygon.technology/blog/alloyx-launches-tokenized-money-market-fund-real-yield-token-ryt-on-polygon - AlloyX, Asia's leading stablecoin service provider, has launched a compliant tokenized money market fund, Real Yield Token (RYT), exclusively on Polygon. RYT acts as a bridge between regulated liquidity and programmable finance, offering users institutional-grade yield while unlocking the efficiency of DeFi. The fund operates on daily cycles with T+1 settlement, and selected data is published on-chain for transparency. Hong Kong-based Standard Chartered Bank provides custody and acts as registrar. Polygon Labs supports AlloyX with DeFi integration, technical help, and growth initiatives, with plans to expand to other networks after the exclusivity window. https://blockworks.co/news/polygon-alloyx-standard-chartered - Polygon has partnered with AlloyX and Standard Chartered Bank to launch a new tokenized money market fund (MMF) on the Polygon blockchain. The collaboration aims to offer institutional investors a bridge between traditional regulated fund products and blockchain-based financial infrastructure. The AlloyX Real Yield Token (RYT) represents exposure to the China Asset Management Select USD Money Market Fund. Unlike conventional shares, these tokens are issued and transacted on Polygon’s blockchain, while Standard Chartered ensures off-chain asset custody and recordkeeping. AlloyX has integrated Chainlink’s Proof of Reserve and NAVLink to provide real-time transparency into the assets backing the token, addressing institutional concerns about on-chain financial products. https://www.alloyx.com/post/alloyx-forms-strategic-partnership-with-safeheron-to-build-institutional-grade-security-for-rwa-custody - AlloyX, a Hong Kong-based Web3 financial technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Safeheron, a leading enterprise-grade crypto self-custody solution provider. Under this partnership, Safeheron will serve as a custodial partner for AlloyX’s tokenized money market fund product, Real Yield Token (RYT), delivering end-to-end cryptographic asset self-custody solutions and robust security infrastructure. This includes private key management, permission control, and compliant operational procedures, ensuring trustful asset protection for both the product and its users. RYT is backed by a AAA-rated money market fund managed by ChinaAMC and safeguarded by Standard Chartered Bank, aiming to establish a secure, auditable, and institution-grade custody model for on-chain assets. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/14/3133475/0/en/SOLOWIN-Unveils-Real-Yield-Token-RYT-Targeting-US-1-Billion-AUM.html - SOLOWIN HOLDINGS (NASDAQ: SWIN) has announced its initiative to achieve US$1 billion in assets under management (AUM) for its USD Money Market Real Yield Token (RYT) by the end of 2025. Launched on April 15, 2025, RYT is offered through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Solomon JFZ (Asia) Holdings Limited, in collaboration with Standard Chartered, China Asset Management (Hong Kong), Libeara, and AlloyX Limited. The initiative’s US$1 billion AUM target is supported via strategic institutional partnerships with Polygon, Arbitrum, Solana, and Kucoin, delivering daily liquidity and interoperability across multiple blockchain networks. https://www.kucoin.com/news/flash/polygon-and-standard-chartered-join-alloyx-s-tokenized-money-market-fund - Hong Kong-based stablecoin infrastructure firm AlloyX has launched a tokenized money market fund (RYT) on the Ethereum scaling network Polygon, with Standard Chartered Bank serving as the dedicated custodian. The fund is designed to combine DeFi liquidity with a regulatory-compliant structure, and some of its data will be made public on-chain. Last month, AlloyX was acquired by Hong Kong-listed investment holding company Solowin Holdings for $350 million to strengthen its expansion into emerging markets. Polygon Labs will support the RYT launch through technical integration and ecosystem expansion. Both companies stated that RYT will initially be operated exclusively on Polygon before expanding to other networks. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 8 Notes: The narrative discusses the recent launch of the Real Yield Token (RYT) by AlloyX, with Standard Chartered Bank as the custodian, on the Polygon blockchain. The earliest known publication date for this event is October 2, 2025, as reported by Polygon Labs. (polygon.technology) The term "Uptober" is a recent trend in cryptocurrency markets, indicating a fresh context. The article appears to be original, with no evidence of recycled content. Quotes check Score: 9 Notes: The article includes direct quotes from AlloyX's CEO, Dr. Thomas Zhu, and Chainlink Labs' Head of Stablecoins & RWAs, Jordan Calinoff. These quotes are consistent with statements made in the official AlloyX announcement on August 25, 2025. (alloyx.com) No discrepancies or variations in wording were found, suggesting the quotes are accurately reproduced. Source reliability Score: 7 Notes: The narrative originates from 99Bitcoins, a platform known for cryptocurrency news and analysis. While it provides timely information, its reputation for rigorous fact-checking is not well-established. The article references official sources, including AlloyX's official announcement and Polygon Labs' blog post, enhancing its credibility. Plausability check Score: 8 Notes: The claims about the launch of RYT on Polygon, with Standard Chartered as the custodian, align with information from reputable sources. The article's tone and language are consistent with typical financial reporting. However, the use of "Uptober" is more colloquial and may not be universally recognised, which could affect the article's perceived professionalism. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM Summary: The narrative provides timely and original information about the launch of RYT on Polygon, supported by direct quotes from key stakeholders. While the source's reliability is moderate, the content's freshness and alignment with other reputable reports support a positive assessment. The use of colloquial terms like "Uptober" may affect the article's perceived professionalism.