The international interbank messaging system SWIFT is preparing to test blockchain solutions. The question is, which network will get a chance for integration — Ripple (XRP), Hedera (HBAR), or the younger project Linea?
SWIFT seeks to accelerate settlements
SWIFT launches blockchain partnership with Consensys to test a prototype for international payments.
SWIFT processes over $150 trillion in transactions annually, but for clients, speed is becoming an increasingly key factor. Together with Consensys, the developer of MetaMask, the company plans to reduce transfer times to an hour.
Testing of blockchain solutions is scheduled for the end of 2025, and possible candidates are already being actively discussed. Ripple and Hedera are traditionally seen as favorites, but Linea — an L2 network based on Ethereum using zero-knowledge rollups — has also joined the list of contenders.
Technology comparison
Ripple has a serious speed advantage: the network can handle up to 1,500 transactions per second and has already proven scalability in practice. Hedera claims 10,000 TPS and uses sharding to further increase throughput. Linea inherits Ethereum’s capabilities with 15–30 TPS, but the rollup mechanism allows this figure to be tripled.
Thus, Ripple demonstrates proven performance, Hedera bets on architectural innovation, and Linea offers a fresh approach based on the Ethereum ecosystem.
Who has more chances
Ripple remains one of the largest assets by capitalization and turnover: billions of dollars pass through XRP daily on both the spot and derivatives markets. Hedera lags significantly in volume — about $200–300 million per day, but its corporate connections and large-scale technical capabilities may attract SWIFT’s interest.
Linea remains a dark horse. The project is young, but has already gained attention thanks to its connection to Ethereum and support from Consensys.
What next?
SWIFT’s choice will be significant for the entire industry. Integration of any of the networks into the global settlement infrastructure will open the way for mass adoption of blockchain in traditional finance.
Ripple has experience, Hedera — technological power, and Linea — an innovative format. The final choice will show which approach to blockchain integration the global financial system considers most promising.
Read more: The SEC demanded the withdrawal of ETF applications for LTC, XRP, SOL, ADA, and DOGE. What is the reason?
