May 2025 — The global financial messaging network SWIFT is set to take a major step toward integrating digital assets with traditional finance. Starting in November 2025, SWIFT will launch live trials that allow the use of digital assets and tokenized currency transactions across its network, which currently handles over $150 trillion in transactions each year.
The initiative marks a critical move toward making digital assets compatible with mainstream financial systemsworldwide.
Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Finance and Blockchain
SWIFT has spent years testing how to link its network of over 11,500 financial institutions with blockchain-based assets such as stablecoins, tokenized currencies, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The upcoming trials will shift from controlled testing to real-world implementation with banking partners across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Participating banks will gain access to digital wallets for settlement, enabling them to transfer tokenized cash and process payments using systems that resemble blockchain architecture. Features such as gas fee-like transaction costs, shared pricing data, and token-based tracking will increase transparency and efficiency.
Why It Matters
Today, most digital asset networks operate in isolation, limiting interaction with the traditional banking system. SWIFT aims to change that by acting as a central connector, allowing seamless transactions between banks using both fiat currencies and digital assets.
This development could also benefit crypto-related payment networks such as XRP and HBAR, known for fast, low-cost transfers. It comes alongside SWIFT’s ongoing transition to the ISO 20022 standard, which enhances the richness and usability of financial data across borders.
Early International Collaboration Already Underway
Although the live trials begin later this year, France and Hong Kong are already partnering with SWIFT to test digital assets in areas such as foreign exchange and securities settlement. SWIFT is also involved in Project Agora, a global initiative led by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) to combine tokenized bank deposits and CBDCs into a single, unified platform.
A Global Financial Shift
SWIFT’s digital asset integration isn’t just a technology upgrade—it could be the foundation for a more connected and efficient global financial system. With its extensive international reach and established infrastructure, SWIFT is in a strong position to support the secure, scalable rollout of tokenized finance across the banking world.
As the line between traditional and digital finance continues to blur, this move could unlock new opportunities for both institutions and consumers, reshaping the future of global payments.
Featured image from: cryptoslate.com