SWIFT is a member-owned cooperative that provides a communications platform, products and services to connect more than 11,000 banking organizations, securities institutions and corporate customers in over 200 countries and territories. SWIFT enables its users to exchange automated, standardized financial information securely and reliably, thereby lowering costs, reducing operational risk and eliminating operational inefficiencies. SWIFT also brings the financial community together to work collaboratively to shape market practices, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest.