- Ripple’s $1.25B acquisition of Hidden Road boosts its position in crypto financial services.
- XRP integration into Hidden Road’s clearing services will enhance global trade efficiency.
- Ripple continues its M&A strategy to expand through acquisitions, not IPOs
Ripple has completed a $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a prime broker that serves over 300 institutional clients. The deal positions Ripple as the world’s largest non-bank prime broker in the cryptocurrency sector.
Hidden Road specializes in clearing services across foreign exchange, derivatives, digital assets, and fixed income markets. This acquisition significantly strengthens Ripple’s position in the financial services industry.
Ripple’s Strategic Acquisition Expands Financial Services
According to a post by Zach Humphries, Ripple confirmed the acquisition of Hidden Road on April 8, 2025. The move marks Ripple’s first step into owning a global, multi-asset prime broker, expanding its financial service offerings.
The acquisition will allow Ripple to integrate its XRP Ledger (XRPL) into Hidden Road’s clearing operations. This expansion provides Ripple with an enhanced ability to offer real-time trade clearing across multiple asset classes.
Ripple Strengthens XRP Integration in Traditional Markets
Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road is set to integrate its XRP Ledger (XRPL) into clearing operations, improving efficiency in traditional markets. Ripple aims to enhance the speed and scalability of digital asset transactions in global markets.
Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, emphasized that XRP would play a pivotal role in clearing trades in real time. Additionally, Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin will be used as collateral within Hidden Road’s prime brokerage services.
Ripple’s Business Expansion Focuses on M&A, Not IPOs
Ripple President Monica Long addressed the company’s growth strategy during Paris Blockchain Week, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. Long highlighted Ripple’s strong financial position, which allows for growth through strategic acquisitions rather than an IPO.
Ripple’s focus on M&A over public offerings further solidifies its long-term strategy to integrate blockchain technology with traditional finance. This acquisition underscores Ripple’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings across the global financial landscape.
