Chainlink partners with Bottomline to bring blockchain settlement to 600 banks

Chainlink and Bottomline announced a partnership that integrates Chainlink’s blockchain infrastructure with Bottomline’s SWIFT‑based payment network, which serves over 600 banks and processes more than $16 trillion in payments each year.

How the integration works

Banks can continue to send payment instructions using the ISO 20022 standard. Chainlink’s Cross‑Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) receives the SWIFT message, translates it into a cross‑chain transaction, and routes the tokenized value through its Runtime Environment (CRE) to settle on a blockchain of the bank’s choice.

Potential benefits for cross‑border payments

• Reduced settlement times compared with traditional multi‑intermediary routes.
• Lower fees, which can exceed 5 % on conventional cross‑border transfers.
• Network‑agnostic access to more than 60 blockchain networks supported by CCIP.

Broader context and market outlook

The collaboration aligns with Chainlink’s Project Pangea, which involves over 50 banks managing roughly $10 trillion in assets and aims for same‑day foreign‑exchange settlement. Tokenization of assets is projected to reach a $16 trillion market by 2030, making blockchain‑enabled settlement an emerging competitive priority for large payment providers.

Current status and next steps

The partnership provides the technical bridge but does not guarantee immediate on‑chain migration for all Bottomline customers. Adoption will depend on banks’ willingness to integrate the solution, regulatory approval, and demonstrated cost and speed improvements.