Ripple has completed its acquisition of Hidden Road, rebranding the entity as Ripple Prime. This strategic milestone aims to establish a comprehensive one-stop institutional trading and financing platform, with a focus on accelerating the adoption of digital assets. The deal, valued at $1.25 billion, marks a significant expansion of Ripple's institutional offerings.
The acquisition highlights Ripple's strategic shift towards providing full-service institutional trading capabilities. This move is expected to spur growth in the utility of XRP and RLUSD, while also contributing to broader crypto adoption within the institutional finance sector.
Ripple Prime: A New Era for Institutional Crypto Trading
Ripple has finalized its acquisition of Hidden Road, rebranding the entity as Ripple Prime. The objective is to offer a unified institutional trading and financing platform, emphasizing the adoption of digital assets following the closure of the $1.25 billion deal. Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, described the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the next phase of digital asset adoption. He underscored the strategic importance of integrating prime brokerage services into Ripple’s existing suite of institutional products, aiming to enhance their reach and capabilities within the crypto-finance sector.
XRP Surges Following Ripple Prime Announcement
The announcement of Ripple Prime's launch coincided with a notable 5% increase in XRP's value, reflecting positive market sentiment. The integration of Hidden Road has significantly expanded Ripple Prime's business operations, reportedly onboarding over 300 institutional clients. The implications of this acquisition for the broader market include the potential for increased institutional participation in cryptocurrency assets. Ripple Prime's service offerings are designed to align with traditional finance models, which could enhance the adoption of XRP and RLUSD among institutional investors seeking regulated and reliable trading platforms.
Ripple's Strategic Approach Mirrors Traditional Finance Giants
Ripple's strategic expansion into institutional crypto finance draws parallels with the operational models of established financial institutions like Goldman Sachs. This consolidation of services moves away from previous fragmented approaches seen in the market. Industry experts suggest that Ripple's substantial investment signifies a broader trend towards regulated digital asset platforms. By positioning Ripple Prime as a leading institutional-grade crypto finance provider, the company aims to bolster trust in digital assets among mainstream investors.

