On Feb. 15, 2026, data shows the US dollar accounted for 50.5% of international transactions processed via SWIFT, up 11.6 points over four years and underscoring ongoing dollar dominance in global payments. This share leads other currencies by a wide margin and highlights why the dollar remains central to cross-border finance (Ed. note: this gap may take years to close).
“The US dollar continues to lead all global transactions. The US dollar’s portion of international transactions via SWIFT is up to 50.5%, the highest since 2023. This percentage is up 11.6 points over the last 4 years. The euro remains in 2nd place at 21.9%. Followed by the British pound at 6.7%, the Canadian dollar at 3.4%, and the Japanese yen at 3.4%. By comparison, the Chinese Yuan is just 2.7%, roughly unchanged over the last 3 years. Meanwhile, SWIFT processed 13.4 billion trade instructions in 2024, up from 11.9 billion in 2023. The US dollar’s position in international finance remains strong.” (Data shows) .
The rankings list the euro at 21.9%, the British pound at 6.7%, the Canadian dollar at 3.4%, the Japanese yen at 3.4%, and the Chinese Yuan at 2.7%. SWIFT processed 13.4 billion trade instructions in 2024, up from 11.9 billion in 2023.
“US dollar-denominated tools, such as SWIFT or the Clearing House Interbank Payments System (CHIPS), dwarf alternatives. CIPS’ latest daily transaction processed value is 678.2bn yuan (US$97.4bn). A fraction of the US$1.9trn settled each business day on CHIPS.” (as stated).
