During the XRP APEX 2025 event held in Singapore, Ripple
CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted the significant role XRP could play in international money transfers. He forecasted that within the next five years, XRP could capture 14% of the total international volume currently handled by the SWIFT system. This prediction is rooted in the liquidity solutions XRP offers for cross-border payments.
Key Differences Between XRP and SWIFT
SWIFT provides messaging infrastructure for cross-border money transfers between global banks, but it only facilitates information transmission without actual physical money transfers. For instance, a transfer from the United States to Europe involves SWIFT messages to inform banks, but actual fund transfers pass through multiple intermediaries. This process prolongs the transfer time and increases costs.
Ripple adopts a different approach. Its technology aims for the direct and simultaneous transfer of not only messages but also funds between banks. The company argues that this system could fundamentally alter liquidity management in international payments. Garlinghouse emphasizes that SWIFT’s model keeps liquidity in banks’ control, pointing out that the real transformation would occur in this sector.
The Liquidity Edge of Blockchain Technology
Ripple’s blockchain-based system claims to offer a faster and more efficient solution compared to traditional methods. By using XRP as a bridge currency, it enables instant and low-cost currency conversion between different national currencies. This reduces the need for banks to maintain large amounts of local currency liquidity in numerous countries, thereby lowering operational costs.
Traditional financial systems typically separate message transmission and fund transfer operations. However, Ripple enables both processes to occur simultaneously through blockchain technology. This could potentially enhance transaction speed and transparency while minimizing risks. Nonetheless, the achievement of XRP’s goals depends on the financial markets’ adaptation speed and regulatory frameworks. Experts suggest that establishing trust in large-scale payments will play a key role in technology adoption.
