Can the ISO 20022 upgrade of Pi Network compete with XRP Ledger and Stellar Network?



Dilip Kumar Patelia

•

18 hours ago

Can the Pi Network's ISO 20022 upgrade compete with the XRP Ledger and Stellar Network?

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What is ISO 20022? Why is it important?

ISO 20022 is a global standard that defines how financial institutions exchange information related to payments, securities, and remittances. It replaces traditional, fragmented information transmission systems with a unified structured format, enabling banks, fintech companies, and payment networks around the world to communicate using the same digital language.

Adopting the ISO 20022 standard allows for the secure and efficient sharing of richer, structured transaction data (such as payment purposes and information about the payer and payee), thereby enhancing cross-border compatibility. This can improve transparency, reduce errors, and accelerate the processing speed of international transfers.

The global migration to ISO 20022 marks an important milestone in the process of financial modernization. Many central banks and payment systems, including the Global Interbank Financial Telecommunication #PI SWIFT( and the Federal Reserve's Fedwire (which completed its migration in July 2025), are adopting this standard, with the goal of full implementation by November 22, 2025.

After this date, it is expected that most international financial institutions connected to the SWIFT cross-border network will use ISO 20022 as a common foundation for seamless, data-rich global payments.

What is the ISO 20022 strategy of Pi Network?

The Pi Network's plan to adopt the ISO 20022 standard is divided into three key phases: preparation before November 2025, activation on November 22, 2025, and post-launch adoption.

This upgrade is based on the large user base of Pi Network, which has surpassed 50 million application downloads. Pi plans to launch enhanced cross-border payment tools, secure digital wallets, and a decentralized exchange )DEX( to support real-world transactions.

By adopting the ISO 20022 standard, Pi Network will be able to integrate more easily with banking systems, enabling faster, cheaper, and more transparent digital transfers. This move is expected to help Pi evolve from a community-driven project into a recognized player in the global payments space, bridging the gap between cryptocurrencies and regulated finance.

Did you know? Unlike Bitcoin, Pi Network does not require electricity or specialized hardware. Users can "mine" simply by tapping a button, making it one of the largest social crypto experiments in history.

Comparison of Pi Network, XRP Ledger, and Stellar Network

Ripple's XRP ledger and Stellar network are mature blockchain systems for cross-border payments and financial integration. The XRP ledger provides banks and payment service providers with fast, institution-level remittance solutions, achieving almost instant settlement; while Stellar focuses on financial inclusivity, offering low-cost transfers and more convenient banking services to underserved communities.

Both networks are compatible with the ISO 20022 standard. The XRP ledger supports compatible messaging formats through Ripple's enterprise solutions, while the design of the Stellar network conforms to standardized financial communication standards, enabling interoperability with ISO-based systems.

Pi Network stands out due to its strategic alignment with the transition to ISO 20022 and its focus on emerging markets. Its advantages lie in accessibility and a wide community reach, but it currently lacks the institutional partnerships, liquidity, and reliable track record that XRP ledgers and the Stellar network possess.

The key challenge facing Pi Network is whether it can move beyond replication to establish trust, adoption, and a strong ecosystem to compete in the global payments space with the XRP Ledger and Stellar Network.

The following is a comparison between Pi Network, XRP Ledger, and Stellar Network:



Opportunities and Challenges of Pi Network

Pi Network is at a critical moment in the ISO 20022 upgrade, which brings both significant opportunities and potential risks. Its "mobile-first" model and over 50 million app downloads enable it to promote financial inclusion in regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where many areas still lack banking services.

In November 2025, the global shift to ISO 20022 presents a timely opportunity for Pi Network to integrate with international systems and expand into the fields of cross-border payments and digital remittances.

However, Pi Network faces numerous challenges. It must establish institutional trust, meet regulatory compliance requirements, and ensure that its token economy has sufficient liquidity. The successful launch of its mainnet, the performance of the DEX, and the adoption by merchants are crucial for building long-term credibility.

Potential applications include remittances, merchant payments, and future collaborations with governments or fintech companies. While compliance with the ISO 20022 standard opens up new possibilities, the global success of Pi Network will depend on whether continuous practical applications can be achieved after the upgrade.

Did you know? XRP

XRP

2.63 USD

Transactions on the XRP ledger are typically completed within three to five seconds, while many traditional bank transfers can take hours or even days to complete cross-border payments, marking a significant improvement in global payment efficiency.

Pi Network: The Benchmark for Global Payments of the Future and Three Scenarios

Whether Pi Network can go global depends on its ability to translate its technical ambitions into measurable real-world applications. To achieve this, it must reach the same credibility benchmarks as Ripple's XRP ledger and the Stellar network.

In order to achieve a status comparable to the XRP ledger and the Stellar network, the Pi Network must meet key benchmarks that prove its authenticity and credibility. These benchmarks include establishing partnerships with banks and financial institutions, achieving meaningful cross-border transaction volumes, and ensuring significant adoption by merchants or government agencies.

Strong token liquidity, active participation in the decentralized exchange )DEX(, and a thriving application ecosystem will also become key indicators of real-world implementation. Currently, key indicators to watch include announcements of bank or fintech integrations, progress on mainnet activation and public market trading, as well as adoption in remittance channels in emerging markets. These developments will reveal whether Pi can evolve from potential to a mature application.

There may be three situations:

Best case scenario: Pi Network becomes the third major payment network compliant with ISO 20022 alongside XRP Ledger and Stellar Network.

Moderate situation: The Pi Network occupies an important position in the remittance sector of developing economies, but has not reached the institutional scale of the XRP ledger or Stellar network.

Worst case scenario: Challenges in technology, regulation, or ecosystem adoption hinder the Pi Network from achieving meaningful cross-border scale.

Did you know? Stellar was founded by Ripple co-founder Jed McCaleb, with the mission of promoting financial inclusion. The United Nations has used Stellar to distribute aid funds to Ukraine, serving as a real example of the humanitarian potential of cryptocurrency.

Pi Network's ISO 20022 upgrade: a new era or an overhyped dream?

The upcoming ISO 20022 upgrade of Pi Network lays a solid foundation for global integration, but merely meeting technical standards is not enough for true success. To compete with XRP Ledger and Stellar Network, Pi Network must demonstrate its practicality, reliability, and the ability to establish institutional partnerships, thereby validating its value in real-world finance.

As the launch date of November 22, 2025 approaches, the goal of Pi Network to achieve inclusive digital payments is expected to drive broader financial participation in emerging markets. However, turning this vision into reality requires clear governance, compliant regulation, and a seamless user experience between cryptocurrency wallets, decentralized exchanges )DEX(, and merchant tools.

The success of the Pi Network will depend on various metrics after its launch, such as transaction volume, liquidity growth, and recognition from governments or banks. The final outcome will determine whether it truly marks the beginning of a new era in digital finance or merely remains at the level of an overhyped cryptocurrency vision.