Ripple Becomes a Full-Scale Fintech Powerhouse Under “Ripple Prime”
Ripple has completed its acquisition of non-bank prime broker Hidden Road, officially rebranding the firm as Ripple Prime — a move that marks one of its most significant expansions into the traditional financial sector. The $1.25 billion deal positions Ripple as a multi-asset fintech provider, offering services that now extend far beyond digital payments and blockchain settlement.
According to the company, Ripple Prime will provide institutional clients with access to clearing, financing, and brokerage services across multiple asset classes — including digital assets, derivatives, foreign exchange, and fixed income.
Ripple Strengthens Its Role in Institutional Finance
Ripple stated that business activity within its prime brokerage unit has already tripled since the acquisition announcement in April 2025, underscoring rising demand for crypto-integrated financial infrastructure. The company emphasized that this expansion will “significantly enhance the utility and reach” of its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin.
“Ripple’s foundational digital asset infrastructure across payments, crypto custody, and stablecoin products is now seamlessly connected through Ripple Prime,” said a company spokesperson. “This integration allows institutional clients to manage traditional and crypto assets within one unified ecosystem.”
Market strategists suggest that this acquisition signals Ripple’s intention to become a one-stop fintech shop, combining blockchain-based payments with conventional financial operations.
Blockchain Integration to Streamline Prime Brokerage
Ripple plans to embed blockchain functionality into Ripple Prime’s operations, improving transaction efficiency and transparency. RLUSD will serve a key role in this shift, already being used by derivatives clients as a collateral asset and a stable on-chain alternative to traditional dollar holdings.
Industry analysts note that Ripple’s recent acquisitions — including GTreasury, Rail, Standard Custody, and Metaco — form part of a broader institutional strategy aimed at merging traditional finance (TradFi) with blockchain-based liquidity solutions.
With Ripple Prime now operational, the company positions itself at the crossroads of global finance and blockchain innovation — bridging digital assets with real-world institutional demand.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.