Ripple Acquires Hidden Road for $1.25 Billion in Major Crypto Deal

Ripple's Strategic Acquisition of Hidden Road

In a landmark deal, Ripple announced the acquisition of Hidden Road, a leading multi-asset prime broker, for $1.25 billion. This move signifies one of the largest acquisitions in the crypto industry to date and underscores Ripple's ambitious expansion into traditional finance.

Expanding Institutional Finance Capabilities

Hidden Road, which currently clears $3 trillion annually and serves over 300 institutional clients, will leverage Ripple's balance sheet to significantly scale its operations. Post-acquisition, Hidden Road is poised to become the largest non-bank prime broker globally, enhancing Ripple's ability to serve hedge funds and institutional investors.

Regulatory Clarity and Market Growth

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted the U.S. market's openness due to easing regulatory pressures, creating opportunities for crypto firms to meet the demands of traditional finance. This deal aligns with the growing adoption of digital assets, particularly under U.S. President Donald Trump's pro-crypto stance.

Boosting Ripple's Stablecoin Utility

The acquisition also enhances the utility of Ripple's USD (RLUSD), a stablecoin launched last year to compete with Tether and USD Coin. Hidden Road's use of RLUSD as collateral across its prime brokerage products further solidifies Ripple's presence in the stablecoin market.

A New Era for Crypto in Institutional Finance

Once the deal is finalized, Ripple will become the only crypto company to own and operate a global multi-asset prime broker. This strategic move positions Ripple at the forefront of bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional finance, marking a significant milestone in the industry's maturation.