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Russia Challenges SWIFT with Plans for Alternative Payment System


In short: Russia is collaborating with partners to create alternative national payment systems to SWIFT in a bid to de-dollarize its economy, according to a representative of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moscow is looking to ensure a stable payment and settlement infrastructure, said Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the Department of Economic Cooperation. He added that many Islamic countries are at the forefront of the trend towards an alternative set-up.

Our quick analysis:
Recently, the Russian government has been making headlines as it announced plans to develop national payment systems as an alternative to the widely-used interbank messaging system SWIFT. According to Russian officials, this move is part of a larger de-dollarization policy designed to reduce dependence on the US dollar in foreign trade.

The goal of the project is to establish an independent payment and settlement infrastructure, tethering national payment systems as a substitute for SWIFT for the stable development of trade, economic, and investment ties. Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the Department of Economic Cooperation of the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized that Moscow is giving precedence to this initiative, with the understanding that “the rejection of the Western-centric financial system in favor of a multi-currency world is inevitable in the foreseeable future.”

Russia has been grappling with severe Western sanctions imposed over its military incursions in Ukraine. As a result, the country has been cutoff from the world's most widely used interbank payment system, leaving Russia with no other option than to develop its own payment platforms.

Several Islamic countries have joined forces with Russia in this project, with many of them progressively leading this trend. Russia is actively extending its payment systems to trade with its partners while prioritizing cooperation within the format of Islamic banking.

Moreover, Russia is not alone in challenging the hegemony of SWIFT. Last month, Russia and Venezuela announced a similar project to develop an alternative to SWIFT. Blockchain-based analogs are also being constructed that would help in preventing disconnections of participating nations and banks. A Chinese blockchain network company has also announced that they are working on a project for stablecoins and central bank digital currencies.

All eyes are now on Russia and its allies as they embark on this remarkable project. What we know for sure, though, is that the outcome of this endeavor will have a massive impact on the global financial system, with the possibility of shaping an entirely new era of multi-currency financial systems. So far, only time will reveal if this initiative is successful. Do you think a SWIFT alternative is possible for Russia? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Image provided by Unsplash
Disclaimer: Our articles are NOT financial advice, and we are not financial advisors. Your investments are your own responsibility. Please do your own research and seek advice from a licensed financial advisor beforehand if needed.

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