In a striking post on X, crypto influencer Ripplepumpkin drew a historical parallel that’s resonating across the fintech world: Telex powered global finance for 47 years before SWIFT took over in 1977. Now, 47 years later, it may be XRP’s turn to lead the next evolution in cross-border payments.
This comparison isn’t just poetic. It reflects a growing consensus that SWIFT, though revolutionary in its time, is no longer sufficient for the speed and scale of modern financial systems. As the world shifts toward blockchain-based infrastructures, Ripple and the XRP Ledger are emerging as the natural successors to SWIFT’s aging framework.
From Telex to SWIFT: A Necessary Upgrade
Telex, developed in the 1930s, allowed banks to communicate payment instructions via typed messages. By the 1970s, its inefficiencies—manual processing, inconsistent formats, and slow delivery- became a major barrier to global finance.
🚨 DID YOU KNOW THAT SWIFT REPLACED TELEX IN 1977? 💡
TELEX: 1930-1977 (47 YEARS)
SWIFT: 1977-2024 (47 YEARS)NOW IT‘S TIME FOR SWIFT TO BE REPLACED BY #XRP pic.twitter.com/8JNPjRcJP2
— RipplePumpkin (@RipplePumpkin) June 9, 2025
SWIFT, launched in 1977, solved these problems by introducing standardized message formats and a secure network for interbank communication. It brought automation and reliability, quickly becoming the backbone of international transactions for over 11,000 financial institutions in more than 200 countries.
But SWIFT never settled funds; it simply transmitted messages. Payments still depended on multiple intermediaries, creating delays and added costs.
The Problem with SWIFT Today
In an age of real-time everything, SWIFT’s limitations are glaring. Cross-border payments can still take days, involve multiple correspondent banks, and incur high fees. It remains vulnerable to geopolitical restrictions, as countries can be cut off from the network.
Its recent upgrade—SWIFT gpi—adds tracking and slightly faster messaging, but still doesn’t address the fundamental flaw: there’s no native settlement of value. As global finance digitizes, a messaging system built in the 1970s is beginning to feel obsolete.
XRP: Born for the Digital Era
Ripple’s vision, powered by the XRP Ledger, provides a solution tailor-made for the digital age. The XRP Ledger offers near-instant settlement, low transaction costs, and high scalability. Unlike SWIFT, Ripple’s infrastructure enables both the communication and movement of funds, making it a true payment system rather than just a messaging layer.
We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1
— TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023
Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) product uses XRP as a bridge currency to settle cross-border payments in seconds, eliminating the need for pre-funded accounts in destination countries. Already active in over 70 markets, ODL is helping banks and fintechs save costs and reduce friction.
The XRP Ledger processes 1,500 transactions per second and settles in 3–5 seconds, with negligible fees. It also boasts an energy-efficient consensus model and supports tokenized assets, decentralized trading, and smart contract functionality through hooks and sidechains.
A Historical Moment for Global Finance
The symbolism is undeniable. Telex served for 47 years. SWIFT has now done the same. Ripplepumpkin’s post suggests we’re at another historic inflection point, and the facts support it. XRP is not just faster and cheaper; it is purpose-built for instant global settlement in a decentralized, neutral, and programmable financial future.
Unlike SWIFT, which evolved from analog roots, XRP was born digital. Its architecture allows seamless integration with CBDCs, tokenized assets, and next-generation financial tools. Ripple’s partnerships with major banks, regulators, and payment firms worldwide continue to grow, reflecting XRP’s increasing relevance in the real economy.
The End of One Era, The Start of Another
Forty-seven years ago, SWIFT revolutionized finance by replacing Telex. Today, with the same passage of time, XRP appears ready to take up the mantle. It’s not just about improving what came before, it’s about redefining what’s possible.
With its unmatched speed, low cost, interoperability, and growing institutional adoption, XRP is primed to replace SWIFT not as a better version of the past, but as the foundation of the future.
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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Telegram, and Google News
