Editor: GoodInfo Global News Team

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) has officially launched a new blockchain-based ledger system in collaboration with 17 major global banks including HSBC, UBS, Wells Fargo, and Citi. The pilot program spans six continents and focuses on tokenized deposit transactions, marking a significant step by traditional finance into blockchain technology. This initiative aims to enable 24/7 cross-border payment settlement, dramatically improving international fund transfer efficiency.

Event Details

According to CoinDesk, SWIFT’s new blockchain ledger allows participating banks to conduct real-time transaction pilots using tokenized digital assets. The 17 banks span six continents globally and include financial giants such as HSBC, UBS, Wells Fargo, and Citi.

SWIFT, used by over 11,000 financial institutions worldwide, represents a milestone by entering the blockchain space. Traditional cross-border payments typically require 2-3 business days for settlement, while blockchain-based systems could reduce this to seconds while lowering transaction costs.

Tokenized deposits represent traditional bank deposits converted into digital tokens on a blockchain, representing actual claims on the bank. This approach maintains the security and regulatory compliance of traditional banking while leveraging blockchain’s efficiency and transparency.

Panoramic Perspective

SWIFT’s move into blockchain reflects a profound transformation underway in the global financial system. First, traditional financial institutions have shifted from skepticism to active embrace of blockchain technology. The rapid development of cryptocurrencies in recent years has prompted banks to reassess the potential of distributed ledger technology.

Second, this initiative will accelerate the modernization of global payment systems. Current cross-border payments still rely on correspondent banking networks established in the 1970s, which are inefficient and costly. Blockchain technology applications could fundamentally change this status quo, providing more convenient services for international trade and remittances.

From a competitive landscape perspective, SWIFT’s entry will pressure emerging cryptocurrency payment networks. While stablecoins and central bank digital currencies are also exploring cross-border payment scenarios, SWIFT holds clear advantages in traditional finance with its extensive membership network and mature regulatory relationships.

Additionally, this development will drive the improvement of related regulatory frameworks. As more major banks participate in blockchain pilots, regulators will face challenges in balancing innovation with risk prevention, and clearer guidance policies are expected.

Multiple Perspectives

Banking Industry Supporters: Believe this is a necessary step for financial infrastructure modernization. An HSBC representative stated that blockchain technology can significantly improve payment efficiency, reduce operating costs, and ultimately benefit customers.

Cryptocurrency Advocates: Hold cautious attitudes toward traditional financial institutions’ entry. Some believe SWIFT’s participation may accelerate mainstream blockchain adoption; others worry it will lead to centralized control, contradicting blockchain’s decentralization principles.

Regulatory Experts: Emphasize the need for clear regulatory frameworks. Tokenized deposits involve multiple legal areas including securities law, banking law, and anti-money laundering regulations. Regulators need to work with international organizations to develop unified standards.

Technology Analysts: Point out that practical implementation still faces technical challenges. Blockchain system scalability, interoperability, and cybersecurity issues need resolution before supporting global-scale transaction processing.

Editor: GoodInfo Global News Team

Core Summary

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to propose a new cryptocurrency regulatory rule as early as July 2026, aimed at simplifying fundraising processes for blockchain startups. This move marks a significant shift in U.S. crypto regulatory policy, providing clearer compliance pathways for the digital asset industry while reducing compliance costs for early-stage companies.

Event Details

According to CoinDesk, the SEC is drafting a new rule proposal expected to be formally released within this month. The rule primarily adjusts the regulatory framework for crypto exchanges and broker-dealers while providing more flexible fundraising channels for startups.

Key elements include: streamlined registration processes for digital asset issuance, clearer token classification standards, and more defined compliance guidelines for decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. These changes will substantially lower compliance barriers for blockchain startups, enabling them to access capital more easily.

The SEC Chair stated in a recent public address that regulators need to balance investor protection with innovation promotion. During the rule-making process, the SEC has conducted multiple rounds of consultations with industry representatives.

Panoramic Perspective

This SEC rule adjustment marks an important transition from “enforcement-first” to “rule-guided” approaches in U.S. crypto regulation. Over the past few years, the U.S. crypto industry has faced prolonged regulatory uncertainty, with companies forced to understand compliance boundaries through after-the-fact enforcement actions.

From an industry impact perspective, the new rule will create a more favorable fundraising environment for U.S. blockchain startups. Simplified registration processes and clear token classification standards will attract more traditional venture capital into the crypto sector.

From a global competitive standpoint, this U.S. regulatory adjustment also responds to Asian and European crypto regulatory frameworks. Singapore, Hong Kong, and the EU have established relatively comprehensive digital asset regulatory systems. If the U.S. maintains regulatory ambiguity, it risks losing talent and capital.

Multiple Perspectives

Supporters: Blockchain industry associations call the new rule “a long-awaited breakthrough” that will provide necessary legal certainty for innovation.

Cautious voices: Some investor protection groups warn that simplified fundraising processes may increase fraud risks, urging the SEC to strengthen post-hoc supervision.

Industry analysis: Multiple law firms note that specific implementation details remain to be seen, and companies should closely monitor the SEC’s final proposal text.

Editor: GoodInfo Global News Team

Crypto exchange Gemini has officially launched zero-commission stock trading in the U.S. market. This move marks a key step in Gemini’s transformation from a pure crypto platform to a comprehensive financial services provider, aiming to build a “super app” integrating crypto, stocks, savings, and other financial products.

According to The Block, the new service covers stocks listed on major U.S. exchanges. Users can trade both crypto and traditional stocks on the same platform.

Gemini’s co-founder stated the company’s vision is to provide users with a unified financial management platform, breaking down barriers between traditional and crypto finance.

Editor: GoodInfo Global News Team