Ripple Aims to Overtake SWIFT

Cryptocurrency pioneer says SWIFT banking network hasn’t evolved at the pace of technology.

Ripple Labs Inc., the blockchain startup whose digital money is often used as a proxy for other cryptocurrency payments, is gaining new customers because financial firms are seeking faster, more up-to-date technology than the SWIFT banking network, according to CEO Brad Garlinghouse.

The SWIFT (an acronym for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) and IBAN (International Bank Account Number) systems have long been used by banks, individuals, and businesses to send and receive money. Ripple was in the headlines in September when XRP—its cryptocurrency, commonly referred to as “ripple”—rallied briefly before declining again.

Blockchain technology can eliminate the need for a central standardized system because it works as a public ledger, enabling the digital transfer of money without the need to route funds through accounts at banks and financial institutions. While ripple, bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies have gained in popularity, they have yet to unseat the standards embraced by the financial industry for wire transfers. Based near Brussels, SWIFT has more than 11,000 customers in 200 countries and territories, according to its website.

“The technologies that banks use today, that SWIFT developed decades ago, really haven’t evolved or kept up with the market,” Garlinghouse said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on the sidelines of an event in Singapore. “SWIFT said not that long ago they didn’t see blockchain as a solution to correspondent banking. We’ve got well over 100 of their customers saying they disagree.”

Ripple Labs says it has more than 100 banks and payment providers on its RippleNet network, including Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. and Standard Chartered Plc, according to its website. Garlinghouse also said that speculation within the blockchain industry of a potential link-up between Ripple and SWIFT wasn’t true.

“What we’re doing and executing on a day-by-day basis is, in fact, taking over SWIFT,” he said.

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From: Bloomberg

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