Ripple is actively positioning itself as a next-generation alternative to SWIFT in the cross-border payment space. This strategic direction was confirmed by Ripple’s SVP of Strategic Initiatives, Eric van Miltenburg, during a recent panel at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos. The focus keyword Ripple alternative to SWIFT defines the company’s trajectory as it reshapes global finance infrastructure amid increasing demand for faster, more adaptable payment systems.
Miltenburg emphasized Ripple’s mission to modernize international money transfers by offering what he described as a “SWIFT upgrade or replacement”. This bold declaration aligns with Ripple’s long-term strategy of addressing the inefficiencies of traditional systems by building streamlined and compliant infrastructures for banks and financial service providers.
Ripple’s Strategic Advantage in Global Payments
Speaking on Ripple’s approach, Miltenburg highlighted the company’s collaborative efforts with its customers to tailor solutions that meet real-world financial demands. These include enhanced speed, reduced operational costs, and greater transparency. He noted that legacy financial institutions are increasingly moving toward innovation and agility—and Ripple is ready to meet them there.
Crypto Eri, a well-known figure in the XRP community, spotlighted Miltenburg’s statements on social media. Her commentary underscored Ripple’s intent to outpace SWIFT rather than coexist with it. Drawing from her own observations since 2019, Eri remarked that SWIFT has historically viewed Ripple and XRP’s narrative unfavorably—further cementing her belief that the companies are more competitors than partners.
Ripple’s Stance: Replacement, Not Integration
Industry reactions echoed Eri’s viewpoint. Analyst Arthur, for instance, reiterated in a recent commentary that Ripple has no intention of integrating with SWIFT—even following its acquisition of Hidden Road. Rather than aligning with legacy systems, Arthur argued Ripple aims to sidestep them completely. He further claimed that SWIFT’s associations with government sanctions and centralized network control make it less appealing in today’s decentralized crypto economy.
The acquisition of Hidden Road has fueled speculation that Ripple might expand into traditional payment ecosystems. However, many see this move as a step toward building a more independent framework, not a bridge to the old guard. Ripple’s leadership has made it clear that their overarching goal is to modernize—if not completely replace—the current infrastructure dominated by SWIFT.
Understanding XRP’s Flexible Role in the Network
Despite Ripple’s association with XRP, there is often confusion about how the digital asset fits into payment operations. Eri clarified this issue, emphasizing that while XRP remains central to some of Ripple’s offerings, it’s not a required component for all transactions. Customer needs dictate the use of XRP, USDC, or USDT—with flexibility being the cornerstone of Ripple’s appeal.
In scenarios involving direct stablecoin exchanges, XRP is often omitted to eliminate unnecessary conversion steps and associated fees. Ripple’s infrastructure enables seamless transactions while allowing institutions to choose their preferred path. As noted in a recent article, XRP remains an optional component of payment flows, supporting a model built on efficiency and user-centric design.
Ripple’s Long-Term Vision
With its commitment to innovation and regulatory compliance, Ripple continues to develop solutions tailored for the future of global finance. The company’s platform has positioned itself as a credible and modern Ripple alternative to SWIFT, drawing attention from both traditional finance players and the wider crypto community. Whether Ripple ultimately dethrones SWIFT or carves out a parallel system, its progress reflects a broader shift toward smarter, faster, and more adaptable financial systems.
