Swift and Standard Chartered Launch Blockchain Ledger for Global Tokenized Finance

TLDR:

• Swift plans blockchain ledger connecting 11,500 institutions across 200+ countries for tokenised assets
• Standard Chartered confirms digital finance reaches tipping point as pilots transition to mainstream
• Over 30 financial institutions collaborate on settlement models and governance for interoperability
• New infrastructure complements existing systems rather than replacing traditional payment rails

Swift and Standard Chartered Bank revealed plans to extend financial infrastructure into blockchain-based ledger technology at Sibos 2025. 

The initiative aims to connect tokenized assets across global networks. Thierry Chilosi and Michael Spiegel outlined how digital finance is transitioning from pilot programs to mainstream adoption.

Building Global Infrastructure for Digital Assets

Swift currently serves over 11,500 financial institutions spanning more than 200 countries. The organization now plans to complement this network with a blockchain ledger designed for digital asset transactions. This ledger will function as a secure record of institutional transactions in real time.

The proposed system will validate transaction sequences through smart contracts while maintaining industry reliability standards. 

Rather than replacing current payment rails, the technology will bridge traditional finance with tokenized markets. This approach allows banks to offer digital asset services without abandoning existing infrastructure.

Standard Chartered’s Michael Spiegel noted that tokenization represents a fundamental shift in global commerce. 

Financial institutions increasingly demand assets and value to move instantly across borders. The “always-on” service model has become essential for banks operating in fast-growing markets.

Swift’s expansion into blockchain technology reflects broader industry momentum toward digital assets. The move addresses client expectations for immediate settlement and continuous availability. 

Banks require infrastructure that can support both conventional transactions and emerging digital formats simultaneously.

Addressing Fragmentation Through Industry Collaboration

Multiple blockchain networks currently operate without seamless connectivity between platforms. This fragmentation creates barriers to widespread adoption and limits transaction volumes. 

The absence of common standards prevents different tokenized systems from communicating effectively. Swift is working with over 30 financial institutions, technology providers, and central banks on this project. 

The collaborative effort focuses on establishing unified settlement models and governance frameworks. These partnerships aim to create interoperable standards that function across jurisdictions.

The initiative seeks to replicate Swift’s success in connecting fiat payment systems for the digital asset space.  Interoperability enables networks to exchange value without requiring participants to join multiple platforms. This connectivity can accelerate adoption by reducing technical complexity for financial institutions.

Success depends on collective agreement regarding token types and operational protocols. Swift provides infrastructure coordination while participants contribute expertise in regulation, technology, and market practices. 

The collaborative model ensures solutions address real-world requirements rather than theoretical capabilities.

The transition from controlled pilots to production environments marks a critical phase for tokenized finance. Swift’s infrastructure extension aims to provide the reliability and scale necessary for mainstream adoption. This development could reshape how value moves through global financial systems.

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