- SWIFT’s blockchain trials may connect XRP and HBAR to trillions in global payment flows.
- CME futures and SWIFT tests show rising institutional interest in XRP’s use in finance.
Global payments network SWIFT is testing blockchain networks Ripple’s XRP Ledger and Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) in a new pilot focused on international payments.
Meanwhile, the project is designed to explore whether these technologies can improve settlement speed and cost-efficiency while following ISO 20022, a standard used by banks and financial institutions for messaging.
🚨 JUST IN: SWIFT is testing XRP and HBAR for blockchain-based cross-border payments to boost efficiency and interoperability.
The future of global payments is being built right now🔥 pic.twitter.com/glXUHbkVSH
— Real World Asset Watchlist (@RWAwatchlist_) August 21, 2025
SWIFT currently handles more than $150 trillion in cross-border transactions each year. Even a small portion of that volume moving through blockchain systems could increase demand for assets like XRP and HBAR. The tests are being closely followed by the financial sector as a sign that digital asset integration is being explored more seriously.
XRP and HBAR Under Evaluation for Payment Use
Ripple’s XRP Ledger and Hedera Hashgraph are both built for speed and low energy use. XRP can process up to 1,500 transactions per second and is already used in some banking projects. Hedera’s hashgraph system can handle over 10,000 transactions per second and offers a different consensus model with high throughput.
Both networks are being reviewed for their ability to support cross-border transfers, digital asset settlement, and tokenized transactions. The tests are expected to assess how well they perform within existing infrastructure used by financial institutions.
SWIFT is running these trials using ISO 20022, which is being adopted by many central banks and financial systems around the world. This standard helps ensure systems speak the same technical language, making it easier to connect new technologies with old ones.
At the same time, financial regulators in several regions are stepping up blockchain initiatives. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has launched “Project Crypto” to create clearer rules for digital assets. In Asia, China and Hong Kong are exploring the use of stablecoins and digital currencies, even as crypto bans remain in place.
Institutional XRP Activity Continues on CME
Beyond the blockchain trials, interest in XRP remains strong in regulated markets. As reported by BTCDaily, CME Group recently reported a record open interest of over 6,000 XRP futures contracts as of August 18.
Over the last three months, more than 251,000 contracts have traded, with a total notional value of $9.02 billion. Each contract represents 50,000 XRP, worth around $145,000 based on current pricing.
XRP is currently trading at $2.88, while HBAR sits at $0.2338. Both tokens have shown slight price declines in the past 24 hours.
However, ongoing testing and growing attention from institutions may continue to shape how these assets are positioned in future financial systems.
