The global banking system stands at the crossroads of transformation. For decades, payments have moved through slow, batch-based processes. This has become inefficient in a digital economy that now demands speed, transparency, and real-time settlement offered by XRP.
At SWIFT’s SIBOS 2025 conference, this long-standing tension was placed under a microscope. In a video clip shared on X by SMQKE, Celent analyst Alenka Grealish explained how blockchain-based assets like XRP and Stellar Lumens (XLM) are becoming central to the “flywheel adoption” of next-generation payment systems.
The Unsustainable Divide Between Legacy and Modern Systems
Grealish began by describing a fundamental problem that plagues global finance today: “If the front office is automated, there’s low latency, then you switch gears—banks operate still typically in terms of batch processing, store and forward.”
She noted that “payments messaging, clearing, and settlement are often decoupled,” adding that the result is a process that “can take days.” This separation between instant digital commerce and delayed financial settlement, she said, is “an unsustainable dichotomy.”
‼️SWIFT SIBOS: “XRP AND XLM WILL PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE FLYWHEEL ADOPTION OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES”‼️
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To bridge this gap, Grealish explained that a growing number of financial institutions and consortia are now “harnessing blockchain, smart contracts, and digital assets to align the performance of banking payment systems” with the instant capabilities of the digital economy.
The Flywheel of Blockchain Adoption
Grealish used an industrial metaphor to describe the accelerating momentum behind blockchain: “Think of the old industrial flywheels—once they start turning, there’s momentum. It’s hard to stop them.”
According to her, the adoption of blockchain and digital assets has already reached the stage of feasibility and is now moving into “economic viability.” She said, “We’re seeing these use cases get into the bottom of that first turn—economic viability.”
At SIBOS, this shift was reflected in several key developments: interbank payments, delivery-versus-payment (DvP) models, cross-border transactions, and even remittance systems are being re-engineered using distributed ledger technology.
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XRP, XLM, and Stablecoins: Driving the Internet of Value
In one of the most striking parts of her speech, Grealish highlighted the specific digital assets playing an active role in this transformation. “We’re seeing cryptocurrencies like XRP, Stellar Lumens, stablecoins, and USDC playing an important role in getting that wheel to turn—deliver the Internet of Value.”
These assets, she said, are not being viewed as speculative investments but as functional tools that enable faster, cheaper, and more transparent settlements. By acting as bridges between currencies and networks, XRP and XLM are helping banks move closer to real-time payments and seamless global liquidity.
The Legitimization of Digital Assets
Grealish also addressed the growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies, noting that “cryptocurrencies are gaining legitimacy as a new asset class.” She explained that while Bitcoin introduced the concept of the Internet of Value, it was blockchain and distributed ledger technology that evolved into the true disruptors.
With central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) now entering the conversation, she believes mainstream adoption is set to accelerate: “The introduction of central bank digital currencies will accelerate mainstreaming with digital assets.”
Looking Ahead: From Experiment to Integration
The takeaway from SIBOS 2025 is clear—digital asset adoption has moved beyond experimentation. Institutions are now focused on integration, liquidity management, and compliance frameworks that will allow these technologies to scale globally.
SMQKE’s video of Grealish’s remarks captured this shift perfectly. The industry conversation is no longer about whether blockchain will work—it’s about which assets, systems, and partnerships will drive the next phase of financial modernization.
As the flywheel gathers momentum, XRP and XLM stand at the forefront of the Internet of Value, linking traditional finance to the future of instant global settlement.
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 urged to do in-depth 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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