Chainlink Connects Banks to SWIFT Ledger

Chainlink is working on a solution that will allow financial institutions to connect their systems and signing infrastructure to SWIFT’s blockchain ledger through the Chainlink platform. Chainlink provides blockchain infrastructure and data services, while SWIFT is a global financial messaging network.

The solution uses the Chainlink Runtime Environment (CRE) to connect banks to SWIFT’s ledger and manage smart-contract workflows. Banks will keep control of the keys used to approve transactions, while CRE will coordinate operations between their own ledgers and the SWIFT ledger.

This setup is designed to support 24/7 payment workflows using tokenized bank deposits. The deposits remain on bank-owned ledgers, while SWIFT’s ledger coordinates the movement of funds between participating institutions, including outside normal banking hours.

SWIFT’s ledger works as an orchestration layer before final settlement. It does not replace existing settlement systems, such as real-time gross settlement networks. This allows banks to use tokenized deposits for around-the-clock payments without changing their current settlement arrangements.

SWIFT introduced its blockchain-based shared ledger at Sibos 2025. The project was developed with more than 40 financial institutions and reached the pilot stage within nine months. Seventeen institutions are currently testing tokenized deposit transactions through the ledger.

Image: Magnific