Ripple Prime is positioning itself as institutional infrastructure for 24/7 blockchain-based finance following its acquisition of prime broker Hidden Road. Mike Higgins, Business Development/Client Director at Ripple Prime, told Markets Media that global financial markets are evolving toward continuous trading and settlement, driving demand for always-on blockchain networks. The firm has integrated Hidden Road's prime brokerage capabilities with Ripple's blockchain infrastructure and enterprise network to expand institutional services.
Higgins stated that the current crypto slowdown should not be interpreted as weakening digital asset adoption. "The current crypto winter is not a digital asset winter," Higgins said, emphasizing that tokenized assets, stablecoins, and blockchain networks are becoming core components of modern capital markets. He argued that the shift toward 24/7 trading, settlement, and collateral management is driving institutional demand for blockchain-based infrastructure.
Ripple Prime Reports Revenue Growth Following Hidden Road Acquisition
Ripple Prime's revenues have tripled since the acquisition of Hidden Road, according to Higgins. The firm combined Hidden Road's institutional prime brokerage expertise with Ripple's blockchain infrastructure, enterprise network, and financial strength to expand institutional capabilities. Ripple's balance sheet has increased lending capacity following the integration.
Integration with RLUSD, Ripple's GENIUS Act-compliant U.S. dollar stablecoin, and the XRP Ledger is expected to streamline settlement, enhance capital efficiency, and reduce transaction costs, according to the company.
Ripple Prime Introduces XRP-Backed Collateral Financing for Institutions
Ripple Prime now issues XRP-backed depository receipts, enabling institutions to pledge XRP as collateral and obtain U.S. dollar credit for trading CME futures without selling their holdings. Market analyst Chad Steingraber highlighted this innovation as transforming XRP from a passive balance-sheet asset into productive institutional collateral.
The structure allows firms to maintain XRP market exposure while unlocking liquidity, potentially avoiding taxable sale events, and deploying capital more efficiently, according to Steingraber's analysis.
Ripple Prime Supports Multi-Asset Collateral Framework Across Traditional and Digital Markets
Ripple Prime supports collateral including U.S. Treasuries, fiat currencies, gold, Bitcoin, XRP, and BlackRock money market funds. This unified collateral framework enables institutions to manage liquidity across both traditional and digital markets, according to the firm.
Reports indicate that the White House has resolved a key obstacle surrounding the CLARITY Act, strengthening expectations for clearer U.S. digital asset regulations. This development is widely viewed as a catalyst for increased institutional participation, according to the source.
FAQ
What did Ripple Prime do with XRP?
Ripple Prime introduced XRP-backed depository receipts that allow institutions to pledge XRP as collateral, obtain U.S. dollar credit, and trade CME futures without selling their XRP holdings.
How much did Ripple Prime's revenues grow after acquiring Hidden Road?
Ripple Prime's revenues tripled following the acquisition of Hidden Road, according to Mike Higgins, Business Development/Client Director at Ripple Prime.
What types of collateral does Ripple Prime support?
Ripple Prime supports U.S. Treasuries, fiat currencies, gold, Bitcoin, XRP, and BlackRock money market funds as collateral within its unified framework for institutional clients.
