SWIFT messaging system cuts off remaining North Korean banks

Swift action: The decision to cut off the North Korean banks was a possible sign of diplomatic pressure on SWIFT. Pictured is a 5,000 won note.

LONDON: SWIFT, the inter-bank messaging network which is the backbone of international finance, said it planned to cut off the remaining North Korean banks still connected to its system, as concerns about the country's nuclear programme and missile tests grow.

SWIFT said the four remaining banks on the network would be disconnected for failing to meet its operating criteria.