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SWIFT Full Form-Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications

Updated on 05 February, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications. It is a global cooperative facilitating secure messaging for international financial transactions among over 11,000 participating banks and institutions.

More About SWIFT

  • Founded in 1973, SWIFT, also known as the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications, is a worldwide group with its base in Belgium. 
  • It doesn't just stay there; it manages a secure messaging network, creating a digital picture that connects with over 11,000 financial institutions in 200 countries. 
  • In the large-scale world of global financial transactions, SWIFT leads a symphony of straightforward communication, guiding the smooth process of transactions on the worldwide stage.
  • SWIFT is pivotal in enabling secure and standardised communication between financial institutions globally. Its significance extends across various services and functions:
  • Global Network: Serving over 11,000 institutions in 200 countries, SWIFT provides a robust network for secure financial messaging.
  • Unique Identifier Codes: SWIFT assigns Business Identifier Codes (BIC) to each participating institution, streamlining transaction identification.
  • Payment Clearing and Settlement: SWIFTNet facilitates the efficient exchange of payment-related information and fund transfers.
  • Competitors: While dominant, SWIFT faces competition from providers like PayPal, TransferWise, WorldRemit, Xoom, and Western Union.
  • SWIFT vs. IBAN: Distinguishing SWIFT from IBAN, SWIFT focuses on facilitating communication, while IBAN serves as an international bank account identifier.
  • Geopolitical Impact: SWIFT's role in global capital flows has led to instances of access denial as a form of economic sanction.
  • In conclusion, SWIFT's comprehensive services, global reach, and adaptation to emerging technologies underscore its indispensability in the international financial landscape.

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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