Pundit Explains Why Ripple Is Not Going to Integrate with SWIFT Even After Hidden Road Acquisition
April 18, 2025
Swift XRP
Crypto analyst Arthur has triggered discussion with the claim that Ripple won’t integrate with SWIFT, even after acquiring prime brokerage firm Hidden Road. Ripple’s recent $1.25 billion acquisition of the prime broker continues to garner commentaries from industry observers regarding its impact.
In his commentary, Arthur argued that Ripple’s original mission was to replace SWIFT, not partner with the payment processor. He noted that Ripple positioned itself from day one as a more efficient and transparent alternative to the SWIFT messaging system.
Essentially, he argues that the idea of collaboration naturally opposes Ripple’s original mission to render the legacy system obsolete. As a result, the acquisition of Hidden Road—while it further connects Ripple to traditional finance (TradFi)—may not facilitate integration with systems like SWIFT.
Hidden Road is Ripple’s Direct Line into TradFi
Arthur asserted that Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road is not a bridge to the old system but rather a shortcut around it.
With Hidden Road, Ripple now taps directly into core financial services infrastructure, including clearing, custody, FX, and prime brokerage, allowing it to bypass SWIFT altogether. According to Arthur, this is a strategic signal: “We don’t need you anymore.”
Notably, members of the XRP community have long speculated about XRP “capturing a portion” of SWIFT’s daily transaction volume. They use this hypothetical scenario to justify ambitious price predictions, sometimes as high as $100 per XRP.
SWIFT as A Liability in a Changing World
In parallel, some continue to speculate about a Ripple-SWIFT collaboration, holding out hope that XRP could “capture” part of SWIFT’s multi-trillion-dollar daily turnover. However, Arthur has gone so far as to argue that SWIFT is actually a liability.
The pundit claimed that SWIFT has become a tool of sanctions and control. Arthur stressed that many are wary of centralized systems in the current geopolitical climate. As a result, SWIFT’s position could be a liability for emerging technologies like Ripple.
Emerging markets actively seek censorship-resistant, neutral alternatives
and may find Ripple’s blockchain-native architecture more appealing, especially without ties to SWIFT.
TradFi Comes to Ripple, Not the Other Way Around
Furthermore, Arthur argued that Ripple’s strategy is to attract institutions to operate on its terms rather than integrating with legacy financial infrastructure.
Ripple’s offerings include liquidity services, custody solutions, and blockchain-based compliance tools. These enable institutions to access modern settlement rails without compromising security or oversight.
According to Arthur, the overarching narrative is that Ripple is not trying to coexist with SWIFT. Instead, it is accelerating beyond it. With Hidden Road in its arsenal, Ripple strengthens its position as a sovereign, institution-ready alternative to the traditional financial system. Nonetheless, these remain mere speculations, especially without a formal confirmation from Ripple.
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