Thunes Taps SWIFT to Link 11,500 Banks with Stablecoin Settlements
Cross-border payment infrastructure company Thunes has announced a major integration with the SWIFT network, extending its stablecoin settlement capabilities to 11,500 financial institutions worldwide. This strategic move allows businesses and banks to settle payments directly using stablecoins, bypassing complex and often slow traditional correspondent banking processes. By bridging digital asset technology with the most established global financial messaging system, Thunes aims to significantly lower the friction in international trade and remittance payments.
The new capability removes the need for additional off-chain conversions, a common pain point that adds cost and delays to cross-border transactions. This integration signals a significant step in the mainstream adoption of stablecoins as a reliable settlement layer, leveraging the trust and reach of the existing banking infrastructure to enhance the utility of digital currencies.
Payment Giants Embrace Stablecoins for Global Payments
Thunes' initiative is part of a larger industry trend where major payment networks are co-opting stablecoin technology to upgrade their own systems. Visa, an early mover in the space, began exploring USDC settlements as early as 2020 and by November 2025, its monthly stablecoin settlement volume had passed a $3.5 billion annualized run rate. The company launched a full settlement program in the U.S. in December 2025, settling in USDC over the Solana blockchain.
Mastercard has pursued a partnership-focused strategy, working with crypto platforms to bring digital assets into its vast merchant network. Notably, one of its key partnerships is with Thunes itself, which helps platforms like Uber and Deliveroo process cross-border payments to workers. These moves demonstrate that established financial players view stablecoins not as a threat, but as a crucial new rail for enhancing the speed and efficiency of global money movement.
Stablecoins Meet Surging Demand in Emerging Markets
The push by firms like Thunes is driven by powerful underlying demand, particularly in emerging economies where citizens seek protection from local currency volatility. In Nigeria, for instance, stablecoin adoption is widespread, with 59% of crypto users holding USDT and 48% holding USDC. These digital dollars serve as vital tools for preserving savings and conducting international business.
This trend is not isolated to one region. High ownership rates are also seen in countries like Australia (34% USDT, 29% USDC) and India (30% USDT, 27% USDC). For millions of users, stablecoins are less a speculative asset and more a practical financial instrument for everyday payments, remittances, and savings. The integration of stablecoins into legacy systems like SWIFT directly addresses this real-world demand for faster, more accessible U.S. dollar-denominated payments.
