Core Insights - Swift, a Belgium-based network, is collaborating with over 30 major banks to develop a blockchain-based infrastructure aimed at making international payments instantaneous and integrating traditional banking with digital currencies [1][2]. Group 1: Initiative Overview - The initiative focuses on creating a shared digital ledger for real-time, 24/7 cross-border payments, enhancing compatibility with stablecoins, tokenized bank deposits, and central bank digital currencies [2]. - The current international money transfer process is slow and costly, with wire transfers taking days and incurring multiple fees [3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The blockchain overhaul aims to enable instant cross-border payments, which is expected to reduce costs associated with the current multi-day settlement process [4]. - The consortium includes major banks such as JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, and others from the Middle East and Africa [5]. Group 3: Market Context - The announcement coincides with the rising significance of stablecoins, which are projected to reach up to $4 trillion in circulation by 2030, facilitating $100 trillion in trade annually [5].