The Ripple SVP of Strategic Initiatives, Eric van Miltenburg, not too long ago mentioned the corporate’s efforts to revolutionize world monetary infrastructure.
Particularly, Miltenburg famous that Ripple is setting itself up as a substitute for SWIFT. He shared this attitude whereas talking at a panel through the 2025 World Financial Discussion board in Davos.
XRP group determine Crypto Eri not too long ago drew consideration to Miltenburg’s assertion in a tweet. This follows ongoing debate locally about Ripple’s increasing function in world funds amid the corporate’s new acquisition.
Ripple’s Infrastructure: A Modernized Different to SWIFT
Throughout the panel dialogue, Eric van Miltenburg emphasised Ripple’s function in offering crucial infrastructure for cross-border funds. Describing Ripple’s product, van Miltenburg acknowledged that Ripple goals to be a “SWIFT replace or substitute.”
He additionally highlighted the corporate’s ongoing efforts to work carefully with clients whereas guaranteeing regulatory compliance. In accordance with van Miltenburg, Ripple has been adapting to the evolving wants of its clients, notably these from conventional monetary establishments, that are more and more embracing quicker innovation and extra agile operations.
Eri commented on the panel clip, noting that Ripple’s ambitions relating to SWIFT seem extra aggressive than collaborative. Reflecting on her personal historical past with SWIFT since 2019, she mentioned, “They (SWIFT) by no means appreciated the Ripple/XRP narrative.”
Notably, the thought of Ripple working with SWIFT has been a sizzling subject within the XRP group. In her commentary, Eri addressed hypothesis that Ripple’s fee infrastructure would possibly work in tandem with SWIFT or that the 2 programs might complement one another.
The subject regained traction after Ripple’s current acquisition of Hidden Highway, which some imagine might result in integration with conventional fee programs.
As a substitute, Eri interprets van Miltenburg’s remarks as a transparent sign that Ripple envisions itself as a SWIFT various, not a complement.
Likewise, XRP analyst Arthur argues that Ripple’s core mission has at all times been to exchange SWIFT, not accomplice with it. He pressured that the acquisition of Hidden Highway is even a transfer to bypass legacy programs like SWIFT. Furthermore, Arthur claims that SWIFT might even be a legal responsibility as a result of its function in world sanctions and centralized management.
Clarification on XRP Function in Cross-Border Funds
Moreover, Eri clarified a typical false impression round XRP’s function in Ripple’s fee processes. She defined that whereas XRP is a core function of the Ripple Funds system, the corporate seeks to supply clients what they need.
Whether or not it’s XRP, USDC, or USDT, Ripple ensures that its platform accommodates the precise wants of its customers. Eri emphasised that XRP will not be at all times essential for sure transfers, notably these involving USDT or different stablecoins. In circumstances of direct transfers, including XRP would solely introduce pointless complexity and prices.
Ripple’s platform seeks to facilitate simple transactions with out requiring middleman steps akin to introducing XRP into each switch. In essence, XRP use is an possibility in Ripple’s fee transactions.

