A report from ten years ago World Economic Forum (WEF) re-emerges in the cryptocurrency space, highlighting early recognition of the potential of Ripple and XRP in the banking sector. Analysts say the document illustrates how decentralized networks like Ripple can enable institutions to settle payments faster and more immediately in the future.
WEF sheds lightweight on a settlement case study
A cryptocurrency analyst recently identified X as “SMQKE”. reborn 2015 WEF report, sparking fresh discussions in the crypto community. Document examines how conventional banks can interact with emerging payment technologies, and specifically lists the company as a system that can do this transformation of interbank settlements.
The WEF report revealed that as alternative payment methods such as decentralized networksare gaining popularity around the world, banks have the opportunity to integrate them with their services. By adopting these technologies, institutions can make it easier for customers to transfer value to and from non-traditional networks while exploring fresh financial products. Ripple is cited as an example of a protocol that could serve as one of the alternative buses.
These networks can not only serve customers, but also improve the internal operation of banks. By using non-traditional networksbanks could streamline processes and offer smoother and faster products and services. For example, the Ripple protocol streamlines this process by enabling real-time settlements between banks, eliminating the need for conventional clearinghouses or correspondent banks.
The WEF report’s case study focuses on Germany-based Fidor Bank, a full-service online bank that implemented a payments company for its internal settlement operations in 2014. According to the World Economic Forum: wider apply of Ripple could enable other banks to immediately settle payments against each other. This early example shows how a cryptocurrency payments company was already seen as a practical tool improving banking efficiency.
While the WEF report is more than a decade venerable, its insights remain relevant as financial institutions continue to operate exploring blockchain-based payment solutions. It is worth noting that this is not the first time the World Economic Forum has mentioned Ripple in its reports. In its May 2025 report, the international organization highlighted Ripple and XRP Ledger (XRPL) as key technologies in the future of asset tokenization.
How XRP fits into the bank settlement scheme
As a native sign XRP Ledger (XRPL)XRP is intended to serve as a digital bridge enabling rapid and economical cross-border payments between financial institutions. Using XRPL, Ripple enables banks and payment service providers to settle transactions in seconds, not days.
Due to its high throughput and ability to handle enormous transaction volumes with minimal effort, XRP Ledger appears to be well suited to the requirements of newfangled banking. Its efficiency and speed have led many to do so compare Ripple to SWIFTa long-standing communications network used by banks around the world for international transfers.
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