A recent analysis by crypto expert Cheeky Crypto has garnered attention for its assertion that a significant transformation in global financial infrastructure is underway, specifically concentrating on three key blockchain protocols: XRP, Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR), and Stellar (XLM). The analyst emphasizes that this development is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible evolution from pilot projects to real-world application by central banks, asset managers, and payment networks.
Central to the discussion is the idea of a “global liquidity bridge.” This initiative, previously relegated to speculative discussions, is now approaching institutional implementation. XRP is highlighted as a “universal liquidity translator,” capable of streamlining transactions between disparate fiat currencies and potentially displacing trillions of dollars tied up in pre-funded Nostro/Vostro accounts, thereby enabling on-demand settlements. The XRP Ledger is described as being tailor-made for commercial use, with even a minor portion of the estimated $1 quadrillion in on-chain notional value having the potential to be revolutionary.
Additionally, the analysis highlights the significance of collaboration from the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), which oversees around $43 trillion in assets. Their work emphasizes the potential use of public blockchains in commercial banking, particularly showcasing XRP and Stellar as foundational platforms for “staplecoins,” which are blockchain-native versions of existing fiat currencies.
The impending global rollout of ISO 20022 is another focal point of the argument. By the end of 2025, existing legacy messaging systems will be phased out, and it is suggested that XRP and XLM could facilitate the transition by acting as intermediaries between outdated SWIFT messages and new on-chain systems, while ensuring compliance with necessary metadata. The need for deterministic finality—something Bitcoin cannot provide—is identified as crucial for infrastructure aligned with OMFIF, positioning HBAR, XRP, and XLM favorably.
Hedera particularly stands out as a successful case of “institutional maturation.” By early 2026, over 85% of HBAR’s supply is set to be released, aligning its status with commodity classifications under international law. The analysis notes that HBAR’s transaction volumes frequently compete with or exceed those of Ethereum, with increased institutional interest reflected in existing spot ETFs. A partnership with McLaren Racing to develop digital collectibles and fan engagement platforms is cited as a key factor driving activity and wallet growth on the Hedera network.
On the traditional financial side, SWIFT is reportedly conducting live trials of digital assets from 2025 to 2026, investigating the feasibility of utilizing XRP and XLM to connect various central bank digital currency (CBDC) networks. The video showcases these protocols facilitating delivery-versus-payment transactions across different central bank ecosystems.
Furthermore, Cheeky Crypto draws attention to a noticeable governance trade-off within these protocols. The governance structures of Hedera and Ripple (creator of XRP) are contrasted with conventional proof-of-work systems, emphasizing that control is concentrated among identifiable entities rather than anonymous miners. This “root of trust” is seen as essential for financial institutions handling large sums, even though critics argue that it signals a regression from true decentralization.
The broader implications expressed in the analysis suggest that the real opportunities lie not in speculative assets but in the tokenization of tangible assets like real estate, private credit, and bonds. According to projections from the Boston Consulting Group, the tokenized asset market could reach $9.4 trillion by 2030, with an impressive growth rate.
In this evolving landscape, XRP is positioned as a cross-border liquidity solution, XLM as a regulated payment layer, and HBAR as a governance model suited for high-throughput operations. While the analyst acknowledges risks such as regulatory shifts and potential sell pressure from token releases, the message is clear: global finance is prioritizing regulatory compliance and deterministic finality over the allure of decentralization or short-term market trends.
For investors and analysts, the emphasis shifts from mere price forecasts to alignment with the protocols set to integrate into central bank networks, SWIFT trials, and asset tokenization initiatives. The analysis underscores the growing importance of strategically investing in these evolving financial technologies.
