Joe Lubin Confirms SWIFT is Using Linea to Build Its New Payments System
The global financial infrastructure is taking a significant step toward blockchain integration. ConsenSys CEO Joe Lubin has confirmed that SWIFT will leverage the Ethereum layer-2 Linea blockchain to build its crypto payments ledger. This revelation marks a pivotal moment in the merging of traditional finance and blockchain technology.
On September 29, 2025, SWIFT announced plans to add a blockchain-based shared ledger to its technology infrastructure. The move promises to enable instant, always-on cross-border transactions at unprecedented scale. SWIFT services more than 11,500 financial institutions, making this development particularly significant for global payment systems.
SWIFT Selects Linea for Blockchain Payment Infrastructure
Linea, an Ethereum-based network, has been selected to pilot the integration of SWIFT’s messaging system with blockchain technology. The selection of Linea over other blockchain alternatives demonstrates the platform’s enterprise-ready capabilities. Linea uses zk-EVM rollups, with reported transaction speeds and fees at roughly one-fifteenth of Ethereum mainnet costs.
ConsenSys developed Linea as a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum. The platform uses zero-knowledge proofs, an advanced cryptographic method that ensures sensitive customer data remains secure during testing. This privacy-focused approach addresses banking institutions’ primary concerns about blockchain adoption.
The pilot program involves more than a dozen major banks. These financial institutions will test how blockchain technology can transform international money movement. The collaboration between SWIFT and ConsenSys represents years of exploration into digital asset integration.
Linea’s Role in Transforming Cross-Border Payments
SWIFT’s blockchain pilot with Linea tests a tokenized interbank settlement layer to enable on-chain transfers while enforcing privacy and compliance controls. Traditional cross-border payments often take days to settle and involve multiple intermediaries. Blockchain technology promises to streamline this process dramatically.
The on-chain messaging experiment aims to support blockchain-based payment settlement beyond traditional messaging functions. This marks a significant expansion of SWIFT’s historical role. The organization traditionally focused on secure financial messaging between institutions.
SWIFT confirmed it is progressing with blockchain integration, testing shared ledger technology to enable real-time, 24/7 cross-border settlement. This capability addresses long-standing inefficiencies in international payments. Banks and businesses have demanded faster settlement times for decades.
Linea launched its token this year to support a $72 billion decentralized finance ecosystem. The platform positions itself as an enterprise-ready environment for banks seeking compliance and scalability. These features make Linea particularly attractive for traditional financial institutions exploring blockchain technology.
What SWIFT’s Linea Integration Means for Crypto
The partnership between SWIFT and Linea validates blockchain technology’s maturity for mainstream financial applications. Banks have historically approached cryptocurrency and blockchain with caution. This collaboration demonstrates growing institutional confidence in distributed ledger technology.
The pilot aims to integrate programmable settlement alongside SWIFT messaging, letting banks trial tokenized value. Smart contracts will enable automated execution of payment terms. This programmability could revolutionize how international trade finance operates.
Choosing an Ethereum-based solution reinforces the network’s position in enterprise blockchain adoption. Ethereum’s robust developer ecosystem and established security track record make it appealing for institutional use. Layer-2 solutions like Linea address scalability concerns while maintaining connection to Ethereum’s security.
Financial institutions participating in the pilot will gain firsthand experience with blockchain settlement. This practical testing phase will reveal both opportunities and challenges. Banks can evaluate whether distributed ledger technology meets their operational requirements.
Looking Ahead: SWIFT and Blockchain Payment Systems
SWIFT has always aimed to innovate and elevate the cross-border payments experience. The blockchain ledger represents the organization’s most ambitious technological upgrade. Success could accelerate blockchain adoption across global banking networks.
The pilot program will test whether blockchain can handle the volume and complexity of international payments. SWIFT processes millions of messages daily across more than 200 countries and territories. Scaling blockchain technology to meet these demands remains a significant technical challenge.
ConsenSys and SWIFT’s collaboration could establish new standards for blockchain-based financial infrastructure. If the pilot succeeds, other payment networks may follow SWIFT’s lead. The coming months will be critical for demonstrating blockchain’s viability in traditional finance.
Conclusion
The crypto industry has long anticipated major institutional adoption. SWIFT’s choice of Linea for its blockchain infrastructure represents tangible progress. This partnership bridges the gap between decentralized technology and established financial systems.
