Ripple, traditionally renowned for its stablecoin issuance and cross-border payment solutions, is embarking on a significant transformation within the financial sector. The firm has introduced “Ripple Prime,” marking its foray into the realm of multi-asset prime brokerage, a first for any crypto-related entity. This bold step follows the acquisition of Hidden Road, a global credit network, finalized in October after a process that commenced in April. Ripple’s strategic acquisition aims to strengthen its institutional brokerage and clearing service offerings.
How Is RLUSD Driving Ripple Forward?
With the rollout of Ripple Prime, the company’s operations have seen a threefold growth since the acquisition agreement was made public. The integration of Ripple’s payment systems, crypto custody setups, and the RLUSD stablecoin within Ripple Prime is geared towards streamlining processes for corporate clients by enhancing transparency and reducing expenses.
As part of Ripple Prime, the RLUSD stablecoin is now being used as collateral in various derivative products. This move is expected to foster greater adoption and usage of RLUSD in the coming months. During this period, Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, mentioned,
“We are entering a new phase of digital asset adoption as the US market emerges from the shadow of old SEC regulations.”
What Are Ripple’s Next Moves in Expansion?
Marc Asch, the mind behind Hidden Road, is collaborating with Ripple’s leadership to advance Ripple’s services in corporate lending and investment support within the digital asset industry.
This acquisition is the fifth major deal Ripple has executed in the past two years, following significant purchases like Metaco, Standard Custody, Rail, and GTreasury. Commenting on the partnership with GTreasury, CEO Renaat Ver Eecke stated,
“By joining forces with Ripple, we are transitioning from capital management to active utilization.”
The RLUSD stablecoin also gained an ‘A’ rating in July from the analytics firm Bluechip, attributed to its stability and solid governance. BNY Mellon has been appointed as the primary custodian for RLUSD reserves.
Furthermore, a notable development is Evernorth’s IPO ambition, an XRP-associated company. It aims to surpass $1 billion in revenue following its merge with Armada Acquisition Corp II, with significant investment from SBI Holdings and support from Ripple Labs.
While XRP recently saw a 5.2% increase, reaching $2.56, this growth is a reflection of Ripple’s extensive expansion initiatives. Here are some key takeaways:
- Ripple Prime marks a pivotal entry into multi-asset prime brokerage.
- RLUSD stablecoin is gaining traction within Ripple Prime’s ecosystem.
- Recent strategic acquisitions highlight Ripple’s commitment to diversification.
- Evernorth’s IPO plans showcase Ripple’s influence and network expansion.
Ripple’s integration of Hidden Road underscores a shift from focusing solely on payment solutions to establishing a comprehensive financial ecosystem. Through Ripple Prime, it aims to rival traditional finance giants and sustain its role as a stable financial solutions provider.
