Ripple officially launches digital asset spot prime brokerage in the US, marking a major leap beyond payments and into institutional trading. a platform called ripple primeoffers over-the-counter (OTC) spot trading of top cryptocurrencies including: XRPRipple’s native token, and RLUSDits new stablecoin.
The move strengthens Ripple’s position in the institutional finance space, allowing customers to trade, clear, and fund their assets under a single umbrella. This is not just a crypto service, but Ripple’s answer to bridging traditional finance and blockchain liquidity.
Hidden road deals: $1.25 billion catalyst
Launch following Ripple Acquired Hidden Road for $1.25 billiona multi-asset prime broker specializing in global markets. This acquisition brings significant licenses, a regulatory framework, and advanced infrastructure, all of which are now integrated into the Ripple ecosystem.
By combining Hidden Road’s technology with Ripple’s blockchain-based system, the company now has Integrated execution and clearing platform Digital assets, foreign exchange, derivatives and even bond markets. This is the type of vertical integration preferred by institutional investors because it simplifies compliance and enforcement.
What Ripple Prime Offers Institutions
Supported by Ripple Prime’s new US platform cross marginwhich allows institutional customers to use crypto and traditional assets in parallel. Companies holding XRP or RLUSD can use CME futures or other derivatives in one place to offset their exposure.
Michael Higgins, international CEO of Ripple Prime, said the new OTC Spot functionality complements the company’s existing suite of OTC and clear derivatives services, effectively providing traders with a one-stop shop for digital and traditional assets.
A year of aggressive expansion
2025 was a record year for Ripple acquisitions. After Hidden Road, Ripple acquired G Ministry of Finance In a $1 billion contract to modernize corporate financial management using blockchain. CEO brad garlinghouse He called this a “tipping point” for corporate liquidity.
Ripple is also $1 billion raised Strengthen XRP reserves and strengthen on-chain liquidity for payment channels. The company is clearly building an ecosystem that aims to not only enable, but facilitate the systematic adoption of crypto infrastructure.
politics, regulation, strategy
Garlinghouse has been vocal about improvements. US regulatory environment Under the Trump administration. and stablecoin banknotes Already passed, market structure bill As things progress, Ripple seems poised to seize the moment.
The company also engages in and participates in political activities. coinbase Other major corporations as donors to governments White House Social Fundindicating that Ripple wants a front-row seat in shaping cryptocurrency regulation.
What this means for the market
Ripple isn’t just expanding. it’s yourself An institutional bridge between cryptocurrencies and Wall Street. By integrating Hidden Road’s intermediary framework and GTreasury’s enterprise tools, Ripple is quietly building the infrastructure for large-scale deployments that banks, funds, and enterprises rely on.
The launch of Ripple Prime’s spot brokerage operations could be a turning point in the evolution of XRP from a payment token to a token. core institutional assets.