**SWIFT to Launch Hedera (HBAR) Testing in 2025, Paving the Way for Blockchain in Global Finance**
Exciting news in the world of finance! SWIFT, the global financial messaging powerhouse, is gearing up to start testing Hedera (HBAR) in 2025. This initiative represents a significant leap toward merging blockchain technology with traditional financial systems. With a network of over 11,000 financial institutions, SWIFT processes trillions of dollars in transactions every day. By embracing distributed ledger technology (DLT), SWIFT could play a crucial role in accelerating the mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies.
Industry experts are optimistic that this collaboration could transform real-time settlements, tokenized assets, and micropayments, effectively bridging the divide between conventional banking and digital currencies. This announcement comes on the heels of discussions at ETHDenver, where the focus was on stablecoins and the role of blockchain in cross-border transactions.
**HederaCon Highlights SWIFT’s Blockchain Integration Plans**
At HederaCon, industry analysts underscored the potential impact of SWIFT’s exploration of blockchain-based solutions. For years, SWIFT has been the backbone of international banking, facilitating cross-border transactions through its extensive network. By integrating Hedera’s technology, SWIFT aims to make transactions smoother, cut costs, and boost efficiency in global payments.
During #HederaCon 2025, notable figures such as @AlisaDiCap from SWIFT, @SushilDropp from Dropp, and @ahmedzifzaf from Worldpay joined moderator @rob_nodl from Australian Payments Plus to discuss the original crypto “killer use case” – payments. With stablecoins now exceeding $200 billion in market capitalization, the conversation was timely and relevant.
Experts at the event noted that this move aligns perfectly with the financial industry’s broader goal of achieving faster settlements and better interoperability between fiat and digital assets. Panelists, including SWIFT’s Alisa DiCaprio, Dropp’s Sushil Prabhu, and Worldpay’s Ahmed Zifzaf, explored the implications of stablecoins and blockchain innovations in today’s payment systems. DiCaprio pointed out the G20’s ambitious target of ensuring that 75% of global transactions settle within an hour by 2027, highlighting how blockchain technology could be instrumental in reaching this goal.
**The Push for Efficient Crypto Payments**
The increasing reliance on stablecoins and blockchain-based transactions is largely driven by the inefficiencies of traditional financial systems, especially in cross-border payments. Legacy banking systems often come with high fees and lengthy processing times, creating obstacles for both businesses and consumers. Stablecoins, which are pegged to fiat currencies, provide a more stable option for international transactions, particularly in economies facing inflation and currency fluctuations.
The panel at ETHDenver also tackled the regulatory and operational challenges that need to be addressed for crypto payments to gain widespread acceptance. As large enterprises continue to explore these innovative solutions, the future of finance looks promising!
