Ripple has made waves in the crypto space with its relentless efforts to establish XRP as a leading force in the global financial landscape. As the company continues its pursuit of worldwide recognition, XRP has gained traction among institutional players, securing its spot as a key player in the cryptocurrency market. But the real question remains—can Ripple’s XRP replace SWIFT, the long-established leader in cross-border payments?
RippleNet vs. SWIFT – The Global Showdown
SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) has long dominated the international payment system, processing 42 million messages daily across more than 11,000 financial institutions in over 200 countries. As of 2022, the global cross-border transaction market was worth a staggering $130 trillion, reflecting the sheer scale of SWIFT’s influence. But RippleNet, Ripple’s blockchain-based payment network, is challenging that dominance.
Launched as a faster, more efficient alternative to SWIFT, RippleNet has already partnered with over 300 financial institutions and processed billions in transactions by 2023. RippleNet uses blockchain to validate and authenticate payments, removing intermediaries and making transactions faster and cheaper. SWIFT, on the other hand, relies on the more traditional FIN method, which involves bank confirmations and can be slower.
The big question is whether RippleNet can replace SWIFT entirely—and what that could mean for the value of XRP.
Could XRP Hit New Highs?
If RippleNet succeeds in overtaking SWIFT in the global financial system, the impact on XRP’s value could be dramatic. XRP serves as the native token of RippleNet and is used to facilitate liquidity for cross-border transactions. This means that widespread adoption of RippleNet would drive up demand for XRP, potentially pushing its price to new heights.
Some analysts predict that if RippleNet captures a significant portion of the cross-border payments market, XRP could surpass the $10 mark. In more bullish scenarios, AI-generated forecasts suggest XRP could trade between $50 and $500, depending on the scale of its adoption and market conditions.
While these predictions remain speculative, Ripple’s growing partnerships and technological edge have positioned XRP as a major contender in the race to revolutionize global payments.
Ripple’s Path to Success
Ripple’s vision is clear: to modernize the world’s financial infrastructure by providing a faster, cheaper alternative to traditional payment systems like SWIFT. As regulatory clarity around cryptocurrencies improves, Ripple’s strategic efforts to expand its reach could lead to greater adoption of XRP among banks and financial institutions.
However, the road to displacing SWIFT will be challenging. SWIFT’s deep-rooted connections and trust within the financial world provide it with a solid defense against new competitors. But Ripple’s blockchain-based approach, combined with its institutional support, presents a viable threat to SWIFT’s reign.
Conclusion: The Future of Ripple and XRP
Ripple’s ambitious pursuit to become a dominant player in the global payment network is showing promise, but whether it can fully replace SWIFT remains uncertain. If RippleNet continues to expand and prove its superiority in speed and cost-efficiency, XRP could indeed soar to new highs, potentially transforming the future of cross-border transactions.
As Ripple solidifies its place in the financial world, XRP remains a token to watch. Could this be the moment Ripple pushes XRP to the top of the cryptocurrency market?
Tether is deploying its existing and future hashrate on OCEAN, a decentralized Bitcoin mining protocol. It will focus on delivering high-performance operations to undeveloped areas, particularly in Africa.
Tether is showing increased commitment to keeping the Bitcoin ecosystem sustainable. This initiative also builds on the company’s previous investments in Africa.
Today, Tether is working to advance decentralized mining infrastructure by deploying both its existing and future hashrate on OCEAN.
“As a company committed to financial freedom and open access, we see supporting decentralization in Bitcoin mining as essential to the network’s long-term integrity. Deploying hashrate to OCEAN aligns with both our mining investments and our broader mission to fortify Bitcoin against centralizing forces,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.
Tether’s hashrate will be able to help OCEAN in a few key ways. Critically, it highlights Tether’s commitment to the long-term viability of Bitcoin, as it is a major holder.
The company will deploy this hashrate through OCEAN’s DATUM Gateway service, which helps miners create high-performance operations in low-bandwidth areas.
Most notably, Tether will prioritize rolling out these services in rural and underdeveloped regions, particularly in Africa. This reflects Tether’s growing business commitments in the continent.
Tether obviously has self-interested reasons to deploy its hashrate on OCEAN, as it benefits from potential stablecoin users in new regions.
Moreover, the firm cast Bitcoin’s independence as a key motivator in itself. Tether is a major component of the global crypto economy, and it recognizes the importance of BTC beyond its desire to custody the asset.
In short, this operation gives a few insights into Tether’s plans for the future. By deploying hashrate on OCEAN, Tether is working to strengthen Bitcoin’s network and put more of the world on the blockchain.
Eventually, both of these aims can directly benefit the company.
Bitcoin is stepping beyond its role as a store of value and into DeFi. BTCFi is bringing lending, staking, and yield opportunities directly to the Bitcoin network without middlemen. This shift not only unlocks new financial use cases for Bitcoin holders but also helps secure the network by keeping miners incentivized.
To understand where BTCFi stands today and where it’s headed, BeInCrypto spoke with industry leaders from 1inch, exSat, Babylon and GOAT Network. They shared insights on the current landscape, key challenges, and what’s needed for BTCFi to reach its full potential.
Key trends and explosive growth in 2024
The year 2024 marked a pivotal period for BTCfi, characterized by remarkable growth metrics. According toDefiLlama, the Total Value Locked (TVL) in Bitcoin-based DeFi protocols experienced an unprecedented surge, escalating from $307 million in January to over $6.5 billion by December 31, 2024, a staggering increase of more than 2,000%. This surge reflects a burgeoning interest and confidence in Bitcoin’s DeFi capabilities.
BTCFi’s growth is driven by a mix of institutional adoption, market performance, and technological advancements. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has fueled institutional interest, pushing BTCFi’s total value locked (TVL) higher. Major exchanges like Binance and OKX are integrating BTCFi services, improving accessibility and liquidity. Bitcoin’s strong market performance, hitting an all-time high of $108,268 in December 2024 before closing at $93,429, has further boosted confidence.
Source: Glassnode
At the same time, innovations like Bitcoin-native assets, wrapped BTC, and staking solutions are expanding Bitcoin’s role in DeFi. Projects such as exSat, GOAT Network, Babylon and 1inch are leading the way with new protocols that enhance Bitcoin’s DeFi potential.
As BTCFi continues to evolve, one fundamental truth remains unchanged – demand for Bitcoin itself. Kevin Liu, co-founder of GOAT Network, encapsulates this sentiment: “All of us want more BTC, because it’s the king of all tokens. Whichever projects succeed in delivering real BTC yield will flourish, because they’re giving people exactly what they want. This is true now, and it will be true 3-5 years from now.”
Shalini Wood, CMO of Babylon, captures this shift, stating: “We’re seeing a shift where Bitcoin is no longer just something you HODL. Innovations in Bitcoin staking, lending, and trustless interoperability will define the next wave of BTCFi. BTCFi will evolve beyond traditional DeFi models, leveraging Bitcoin’s security to support sovereign applications, cross-chain liquidity, and more scalable, trust-minimized financial products. The goal is to carve out a distinct, Bitcoin-native approach that enhances security and decentralization across the entire crypto ecosystem.”
Tristan Dickinson, CMO exSat Network: “Enabling Bitcoin yield and DeFi-based strategies without sacrificing control of native Bitcoin is crucial. Bitcoin has fulfilled its original purpose as a store of value, evolving it into a tool for value creation requires meeting some very specific criteria: preserving native Bitcoin security, ensuring interoperability between ecosystems, and supporting complex smart contracts.
At the same time, regulatory developments in the U.S. are reshaping the BTCFi landscape. The prospect of a government-backed Bitcoin reserve lends legitimacy to BTC as a financial asset, potentially attracting institutional investors. However, as Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch, points out, regulation remains a double-edged sword: “Some policies support innovation, while others could tighten controls on BTCFi. Clear regulations on existing DeFi and smart contracts will be crucial for its growth.”
The next phase of BTCFi will be defined by the balance between innovation and regulation. While Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it resistant to government interference, regulatory clarity could provide the stability needed for mainstream adoption. The question remains — will policymakers embrace BTCFi as a transformative financial force, or will they attempt to contain its potential?
How Much Starting Capital Do You Really Need?
The world of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) is evolving rapidly, offering opportunities for both institutional investors and everyday users. But how much capital do you actually need to get started?
Shalini Wood, emphasizes that “BTCFi is not just about individual participation—it’s about unlocking capital efficiency for Bitcoin at scale. BTCFi is designed to maximize security and reward opportunities while keeping Bitcoin’s core principles intact.” Platforms like Babylon, which holds “$4.4 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL),” are driving liquidity and accessibility.
One of the most significant advantages of BTCFi is its accessibility. Traditional finance often has high entry barriers, requiring investors to put down substantial capital to participate in meaningful ways. In contrast, BTCFi allows users to start with much smaller amounts, thanks to the efficiency of Bitcoin sidechains and second-layer solutions.
Sergej Kunz, highlights this shift, stating that “BTCFi platforms have low entry barriers, with some allowing participation with as little as $100 thanks to Bitcoin sidechains like Rootstock and Lightning-based protocols.” This means that retail investors, who may have previously been excluded from financial opportunities, can now leverage Bitcoin’s growing DeFi ecosystem without needing deep pockets.
This low entry threshold is particularly important in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is weak or inaccessible. BTCFi can provide people in emerging markets with new ways to save, earn yield, and access financial services without relying on intermediaries.
Kevin Liu, explains this philosophy: “The best BTCFi solutions won’t require users to be whales; rather, they’ll give both whales and guppies the opportunity to earn real BTC yield. A well-designed BTCFi-focused ecosystem will allot the exact same annual returns (by percentage) to a user who stakes $1 million, vs. another who stakes $100.”
This principle is crucial because it aligns with Bitcoin’s original ethos of financial fairness and open participation. In a world where traditional financial products often favor the wealthy with better interest rates and lower fees, BTCFi is aiming to level the playing field.
Ultimately, whether you’re a small investor or a deep-pocketed institution, BTCFi platforms are increasingly designed to accommodate all levels of participation, ensuring that Bitcoin’s financial ecosystem remains open and rewarding for everyone.
BTCFi: A Gateway to Earning Without Leaving Bitcoin
With the rise of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi), crypto users now have more ways to earn from their BTC without relying on centralized platforms. “BTCFi is becoming more accessible, enabling users to lend, stake, and trade BTC without relying on centralized platforms,” explains Sergej Kunz. While APR programs and staking options on Ethereum or Solana may offer higher yields, he notes that “BTCFi allows users to earn on BTC without leaving the Bitcoin ecosystem, making it a strong alternative for long-term holders.”
Tristan Dickinson, highlights the rapid expansion of Bitcoin’s Layer 2 ecosystem: “Today, there are over 70+ Bitcoin L2 projects working to expand access to and from the Bitcoin ecosystem, but the ecosystem is immature. Basic DeFi instruments like staking are emerging, yet only a few players, maybe three to five, offer true staking with token and APY programs.”
He emphasizes that Bitcoin DeFi is on an inevitable growth trajectory: “First comes staking, then re-staking, followed by diversified yield, collateralized lending and borrowing, and eventually an explosion in structured financial products. Some projects are leading, others are following.”
exSat’s approach aims to accelerate this evolution by mirroring Bitcoin’s data while integrating it with DeFi innovations. “Creating a mirrored version of Bitcoin with identical (UTXO) data and similar partners is the first true scaling solution for the ecosystem. Combining the best parts of Bitcoin with the most powerful elements of DeFi is the only path to meaningful BTCFi growth,” Dickinson concludes.
As BTCFi continues to mature, its ability to offer decentralized yield opportunities without compromising Bitcoin’s core principles is positioning it as a compelling alternative for long-term BTC holders.
Kevin Liu, highlights the growing divide in user behavior: “We’ll likely see growth in both groups – people who simply buy BTC on centralized exchanges and either leave it alone or maybe ape into limited-time APR promotions on those CEXes, and people who watch centralized exchanges get hacked and/or appreciate the power of ‘not your keys, not your coins’ and thus seek out decentralized options.” As Bitcoin adoption increases, Liu predicts that more users will explore BTCFi solutions to generate yield without handing control of their assets to centralized exchanges.
With Bitcoin remaining “the single most powerful asset since it came into existence 16 years ago,” BTCFi is poised to attract both casual holders and those seeking decentralized earning opportunities, helping drive mass adoption in the process.
BTCFi vs. DeFi on Ethereum and Solana: Key Differences and Similarities
As Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) continues to evolve, it is increasingly compared to the established DeFi ecosystems on Ethereum and Solana. While all three aim to provide financial opportunities beyond traditional banking, they differ in design, security, and user experience.
Ethereum has long been the dominant force in decentralized finance, known for its robust smart contract capabilities and extensive range of DeFi applications. “Ethereum has encouraged smart contract development and as many DeFi use cases as you can possibly imagine,” explains Kevin Liu. The ecosystem has fostered innovations in lending, automated market-making, and derivatives, making it the go-to platform for developers experimenting with new financial models. However, Ethereum’s strengths also come with challenges, high gas fees and network congestion can limit accessibility for smaller investors.
Solana, on the other hand, was designed with speed and efficiency in mind. Its high throughput and low fees make it an attractive choice for retail users and traders looking for fast execution times. “Solana stands out for its speed and low fees,” notes Sergej Kunz. This efficiency has allowed Solana’s DeFi ecosystem to flourish, with platforms like Raydium, Jupiter, and Kamino providing seamless trading and yield farming experiences. However, the trade-off comes in the form of higher hardware requirements for validators and periodic network outages, which have raised concerns about decentralization and stability.
Bitcoin, in contrast, follows a fundamentally different philosophy. It prioritizes security and decentralization above all else, which historically limited its ability to support complex smart contracts. “BTCFi is built on Bitcoin’s battle-tested PoW security, ensuring minimal trust assumptions and censorship resistance,” says Shalini Wood. Rather than trying to replicate Ethereum’s DeFi model, BTCFi is developing its own distinct approach, leveraging Bitcoin’s unparalleled security while introducing financial applications tailored for BTC holders.
“THORChain, Sovryn, and Stackswap are among the projects offering native BTC DeFi solutions, bridging the gap between Bitcoin’s security and Ethereum’s programmability,” adds SergejKunz. These platforms allow users to engage in decentralized trading and lending while keeping custody of their Bitcoin, avoiding the risks associated with wrapped BTC on other chains. As BTCFi infrastructure matures, it is expected to carve out its own niche, the one that remains true to Bitcoin’s principles while expanding its financial utility.
In the end, while Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin each offer unique strengths, BTCFi is proving that Bitcoin is no longer just a passive store of value. It is evolving into a fully functional financial ecosystem, leveraging its unmatched security to create decentralized applications that don’t compromise on decentralization or trust minimization.
Donald Trump’s broader circle and business avenue is reportedly planning to launch a crypto game based on Monopoly this month. Trump is a longtime fan of the game, launching an officially licensed spinoff in 1989.
Bill Zanker, who helped Trump launch NFTs and his TRUMP meme coin, is spearheading development. However, the community response is skeptical, as very little information about the crypto element is public.
Trump Is Launching a Crypto Monopoly Spinoff
The intersection of blockchain and gaming has a wide variety of uses, from Tap-to-Earn tokens to NFT use cases and more. A surprising addition to this space is coming soon, as a new report claims that Trump’s family will launch a crypto game loosely based on Monopoly soon.
The exact details are somewhat hazy, but reporters have managed to identify a few key facts. This Monopoly game is being spearheaded by Bill Zanker, a longtime Trump associate who worked with him to launch his NFTs in 2023 and was also involved in the TRUMP token.
It’s unclear when the two renewed their partnership, but the game is set to release this month. Anonymous sources claimed that players will earn in-game cash, which is presumably where the crypto element comes in.
Both developers quoted directly compared this game to Monopoly, and its rules will likely match up. Further reports suggest that Zanker is looking to buy the IP rights for the 1980s Trump Monopoly spinoff board game.
In other words, this IP question could present a possible difficulty if Monopoly’s owners don’t license another spinoff to Trump. Even if the crypto game doesn’t bear any Monopoly branding, Hasbro could sue if the gameplay is substantially similar.
So far, the online crypto community’s response has been incredulous. Users called Trump’s crypto-themed Monopoly spinoff a “joke,” an attempt to “max extract” value from his supporters, and called developers “the largest manipulators ever.”
Even if retail investors have potential upside, there seems to be a narrow window for gains.
“Are we about to witness another Trump family rug? Apparently, Trump’s a big fan of Monopoly. Zanker claims it’s not a MONOPOLY GO! clone — but confirmed the game is real and set to launch end of April. Incoming circus or giga pump?” said one user.
It’s difficult to determine the potential impact of this game on crypto, as we have basically no information about its tokenomics. For example, in Monopoly, users have to spend in-game currency to play.
Will that be a major component of Trump’s version? Will the in-game currency include the TRUMP meme coin? How will users extract value? These details will likely remain unanswered until an official announcement.
