At the APEX 2025 event, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse made a bold prediction that could redefine XRP’s role in global finance. Speaking to a packed audience, Garlinghouse stated that XRP has the potential to capture 14% of SWIFT’s global transaction volume within the next five years—not by competing on messaging infrastructure, but by focusing squarely on liquidity.

This isn’t the first time Ripple has taken aim at the traditional banking system, but the statement marked a significant strategic emphasis on utility over legacy methods. “We don’t need to out-message SWIFT,” Garlinghouse said. “We need to solve the liquidity problem.”

Liquidity Over Messaging: Ripple’s New Strategic Edge

SWIFT has long dominated the world of cross-border payments, facilitating trillions of dollars in global transfers annually. But while SWIFT’s network is vast, its reliance on traditional banking infrastructure means payments can take days to settle and often require multiple intermediaries.

Ripple, on the other hand, is betting on On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) to offer faster, more efficient alternatives. By using XRP as a bridge asset, Ripple eliminates the need for pre-funded accounts—freeing up capital and enabling instant settlement across borders.

The shift toward liquidity-driven solutions could be the catalyst Ripple needs to transform how value moves across borders. If the company succeeds in gaining even a fraction of SWIFT’s market, it could mean hundreds of billions in annual XRP-powered transactions.

Institutions Are Taking Notice

Institutional interest in XRP has grown significantly in recent months, particularly as Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nears its conclusion. A recent joint motion to pause appeals suggests that a final settlement is imminent. As clarity increases, so does institutional confidence.

Already, large financial players are beginning to position themselves. The potential for XRP to play a major role in cross-border liquidity is seen as increasingly realistic—especially in regions like Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where Ripple’s infrastructure is already being tested.

In this context, Garlinghouse’s 14% projection may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. With the right regulatory and infrastructure support, XRP could become a key player in global remittances and business payments.

ETF Odds and Market Momentum

Adding fuel to the optimism, the odds of a spot XRP ETF approval have surged. According to Bloomberg analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas, XRP now has a 95% chance of seeing an ETF greenlight in the near term.

An ETF would provide both legitimacy and accessibility, opening the door for institutional capital to flow into XRP at an unprecedented scale. Combined with the growing clarity from the SEC case, it could be the fuel that pushes XRP out of the shadow of legal uncertainty and into a new era of adoption.

The Community Is Already Ahead

XRP’s community—often referred to as “XRP Army”—has long supported the token’s vision as a utility-first asset. With over a decade of development, partnerships with banks and payment providers, and a highly active developer base, the infrastructure around XRP is more mature than most altcoins.

That conviction is now being reinforced by real market trends. As the price of XRP continues to find support at higher levels, analysts believe investors may already be front-running the next phase of growth, anticipating both a legal win and further institutional adoption.

Final Thoughts: A Realistic Road to 14%

While 14% of SWIFT’s volume may sound ambitious, Ripple’s track record and strategic shift toward solving real-world liquidity challenges make the goal increasingly plausible. With regulatory clarity, institutional support, and the potential for an ETF listing, XRP is positioning itself not as a speculative asset—but as a fundamental piece of the future financial system.

The next few months could be pivotal. If Ripple successfully leverages its liquidity-focused model and legal clarity arrives as expected, XRP could be on the verge of a historic transformation—from courtroom controversy to cross-border dominance.