A research paper published in June 2025 has stirred debate within the XRP community after crypto researcher SMQKE highlighted it as evidence that SWIFT had successfully tested Ripple as a blockchain capable of enhancing its network under the Hyperledger framework while using the ISO 20022 messaging standard.
The claim has generated contrasting interpretations of what the paper actually demonstrates and whether it supports assertions of a future Ripple integration with SWIFT.
In his X post, SMQKE stated that Ripple was successfully tested as a blockchain to enhance the SWIFT network through Hyperledger and ISO 20022. He further stated that Ripple is compatible with the SWIFT infrastructure and will be integrated into its services, adding that the documentation supporting the claim is in the attached research paper.
Yes,in June 2025, Ripple was successfully tested as a blockchain that can enhance the SWIFT network under the Hyperledger framework and utilizing ISO 20022.✅
Ripple is compatible with the SWIFT infrastructure and will be integrated into its services.💯
This is documented… pic.twitter.com/TeOBRqkPXE
— SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) July 13, 2026
What the Research Paper Actually Says
The highlighted sections of the paper describe a prototype blockchain framework that researchers developed using Hyperledger Fabric, with smart contracts written in Go and Node.js. The study compared the prototype’s performance against a simulated SWIFT system using several metrics, including transaction speed, cost efficiency, security auditing, and regulatory compliance.
The experimental setup suggests that the researchers used Hyperledger Fabric v2.4 and simulated SWIFT transactions. It also states that the dataset consisted of Ripple and Stellar testnet logs for benchmarking purposes. According to the paper, the prototype reduced settlement times from approximately two days to between three and five seconds while lowering operational costs by 86.6%.
The paper also outlines future work involving interoperability with central bank digital currencies and next-generation payment standards such as ISO 20022. However, it does not state that Ripple’s XRP Ledger was directly tested as the blockchain powering the prototype or that SWIFT intends to integrate Ripple into its production services.
Community Response Challenges the Interpretation
A community member identified as Red disputed SMQKE’s interpretation, stating that the post misrepresented the paper’s findings. Red explained that the Ripple and Stellar datasets referenced in the methodology were historical blockchain data used for benchmarking rather than the technologies being tested.
He further noted that the researchers built and evaluated their own blockchain framework on Hyperledger Fabric rather than deploying the XRP Ledger or Stellar’s network. Red questioned where the direct connection to Ripple’s integration with SWIFT is in the paper, maintaining that the research did not support the conclusion presented in SMQKE’s post.
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— TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025
Red added that while there are legitimate developments within the XRP Ledger ecosystem, overstating connections that are not explicitly documented undermines credibility and distracts from verifiable technological progress.
Previous SWIFT Rumors Also Faced Rejection
The debate also aligns with earlier reports surrounding alleged ties between SWIFT and XRP. A Times Tabloid report noted that former SWIFT Chief Innovation Officer Tom Zschach debunked SWIFT’s plan to use XRP.
Responding to speculation that SWIFT would support public tokens such as XRP rather than launching its own digital ledger for banks, Zschach responded, “Not happening.”
Together, the research paper and the subsequent reactions highlight the importance of distinguishing between benchmark datasets, prototype implementations, and confirmed commercial integrations when evaluating claims surrounding Ripple, SWIFT, and blockchain-based payment infrastructure.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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