Swift and Standard Chartered Map Tokenised Finance Scale

• Swift will add a blockchain ledger to complement messaging, enabling real time transaction records without replacing bank systems.

• Tokenisation is moving beyond pilots as banks need systems that move value continuously across borders, not just data anymore now.

• Interoperability is central, with Swift leveraging its 11,500 member network to connect tokenised ledgers globally at scale now up.

At Sibos 2025, Swift and Standard Chartered outlined concrete steps toward tokenised finance during a public discussion. The session took place on Sibos TV, featuring Swift Chief Business Officer Thierry Chilosi and Standard Chartered’s Michael Spiegel. They explained why institutions now need interoperable digital ledgers and how Swift plans to extend its infrastructure.

From Sibos 2025 To Live Financial Infrastructure

The discussion occurred during Sibos 2025, Swift’s annual global banking conference. According to Swift, the organization is adding a blockchain-based ledger to its existing infrastructure.

Notably, more than 30 global banks already participate in shaping the ledger’s design. Chilosi said the work focuses on collaboration, since scale depends on shared systems. However, Swift does not plan to replace existing networks.

Instead, the ledger will complement current messaging systems. It will record transactions in real time between institutions. It will also validate transaction order and apply agreed rules through smart contracts. This approach preserves existing workflows while supporting tokenised assets.

Why Tokenisation Is Moving Beyond Pilots

During the session, speakers said tokenisation has moved past limited testing phases. Banks now seek systems that move value, not just data. Notably, clients expect services that operate continuously, especially across borders. Tokenization supports these needs by improving transaction speed and coordination.

Michael Spiegel said digital assets now approach mainstream use within regulated banking environments. However, fragmentation remains a key obstacle. Multiple tokenised networks exist, yet they often fail to connect. As a result, institutions struggle to scale tokenised services consistently.

Interoperability as the Central Design Focus

Swift aims to address fragmentation through interoperability. The organization already connects over 11,500 institutions in more than 200 countries. Therefore, Swift sees ledger integration as an extension of its existing role.

The project involves banks, technology firms, and central banks. Together, participants define settlement models, token standards and governance rules. According to the speakers, shared design decisions enable cross-border consistency. This coordinated effort supports tokenised assets without promoting any single network.