The geopolitical and financial landscapes are shifting once again, and the cryptocurrency world is paying close attention. According to crypto analyst and influencer Amelie , the European Union is considering a new sanctions package that could see 20 Russian banks removed from the SWIFT global payment system. This development raises a critical question that has long simmered beneath the surface of financial innovation: Could Ripple and its digital asset XRP finally seize the moment to step in as a next-generation cross-border payment solution? BREAKING: EU CONSIDERS REMOVING 20 BANKS FROM SWIFT GLOBAL PAYMENT SYSTEM IN NEW SANCTIONS PACKAGE TO ESCALATE PRESSURE ON RUSSIA! COULD THIS BE THE MOMENT NEEDED FOR #XRP TO BE USED? https://t.co/XxKaLc7qsa pic.twitter.com/e7LZaX7XQq — 𝓐𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮 (@_Crypto_Barbie) May 24, 2025 Why SWIFT’s Role in Global Finance Is Being Challenged For decades, the SWIFT system has been the backbone of international money transfers, connecting over 11,000 financial institutions across more than 200 countries. However, SWIFT’s reliance on correspondent banking relationships, slow settlement times, and vulnerability to geopolitical weaponization — as evidenced by past sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and now Russia — has increasingly exposed its limitations. When major economies or blocs like the EU begin contemplating large-scale disconnections, it not only strains the targeted countries but also creates friction and inefficiencies across the broader global financial system. Amelie’s post brings this issue back into the spotlight. If the EU proceeds with cutting off 20 Russian banks from SWIFT, it would escalate the financial isolation of Russia, but it would also drive the search for alternative systems that are faster, more neutral, and less politically entangled. This is where Ripple and XRP come into the conversation. Ripple and XRP: A Ready-Made Alternative? Ripple has positioned itself for years as a blockchain-based solution designed to modernize cross-border payments. Using XRP as a bridge currency, Ripple’s payment protocols allow financial institutions to move money across borders in seconds , compared to the days it can take under the traditional SWIFT network. Unlike SWIFT, which merely sends messages between banks to coordinate payments, Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service facilitates the instant movement of value, eliminating the need for pre-funded nostro and vostro accounts. With Russia facing intensified sanctions and cut-offs from the legacy financial system, Ripple and XRP theoretically offer an alternative route for institutions and economies looking to maintain liquidity and settlement efficiency without violating international laws. That said, it’s crucial to recognize that Ripple, as a U.S.-based company, operates under strict compliance frameworks and is unlikely to serve sanctioned entities. However, the bigger picture is that global demand for resilient, decentralized, and politically agnostic payment rails is growing, and Ripple is perfectly positioned to meet that demand for compliant institutions. The Timing Couldn’t Be More Critical The current moment is particularly opportune for Ripple and XRP because of several converging factors. First, Ripple’s long legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has seen major development recently with a settlement agreement filed by the SEC. This regulatory clarity has reignited institutional interest in leveraging Ripple’s technologies. Second, central banks and major financial institutions worldwide are exploring or launching central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which require interoperable and scalable settlement layers. Ripple has already engaged in numerous pilot projects and partnerships aimed at integrating CBDCs into its network, making it a serious contender for future global payment infrastructure. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Third, the rising instability and fragmentation in global finance, driven by sanctions, trade wars, and shifting alliances, create a natural demand for alternatives to SWIFT. Whether it’s for emerging economies, sanctioned regions, or even compliant multinational corporations seeking efficiency, Ripple offers a solution that blends the speed of crypto with the oversight of enterprise-grade compliance. Could Ripple and XRP Take Over? While some XRP enthusiasts may be quick to declare a total “ takeover” of SWIFT, the reality is more nuanced. SWIFT’s dominance is deeply entrenched, and wholesale replacement would require years of coordinated effort, regulatory buy-in, and institutional trust-building. However, Ripple and XRP do not need to replace SWIFT entirely to be transformative. Even capturing a fraction of cross-border payment flows — especially in emerging markets, remittance corridors, and CBDC interoperability — would mark a massive shift in how global finance operates. Amelie’s post taps into a growing sense among the crypto community that the world is approaching an inflection point. With geopolitical tensions mounting and the old financial order showing its cracks, Ripple’s blockchain-based solutions may no longer be viewed as experimental or peripheral. Instead, they stand ready as the next phase of global payments — faster, cheaper, and less reliant on outdated intermediaries. As the EU weighs its next sanctions move, the broader financial world should pay close attention. The question is no longer if blockchain-based systems like Ripple and XRP will reshape cross-border finance, but when. And if current signals are any indication, that moment may be arriving sooner than most expect. 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 The post Ripple and XRP to Soon Take Over From SWIFT? 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