In a sector under reconstruction, Ripple is taking a strategic step by launching its spot prime brokerage service for American institutions. This turning point, formalized at the Swell 2025 conference in New York, is based on the acquisition of Hidden Road, finalized in October. By focusing on an integrated infrastructure, Ripple intends to capture a growing demand for professional asset trading services, at a time when market standards are being redefined.
In brief
- Ripple launches crypto spot prime brokerage service aimed at US institutional investors.
- This announcement comes during the Swell 2025 conference in New York, the company's flagship event.
- The new service includes spot OTC transactions, swaps, cross-margining and access to CME derivatives.
- Ripple intends to position itself as a major player in institutional crypto trading, in response to a post-FTX market in restructuring.
A strategic acquisition for a new institutional offer
Ripple formalized this Monday the expansion of its institutional services in the United States with the launch of a spot prime brokerage offering allowing the execution of over-the-counter (OTC) transactions on several cryptos, as institutional demand for XRP explodes on the CME.
This announcement follows the acquisition of Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. The takeover, communicated last April, was finalized at the beginning of October. “The launch of OTC spot execution capabilities complements our existing range of crypto-cleared derivatives and services”has declared Michael Higgins, international CEO of Ripple Prime, and former manager of Hidden Road.
Concretely, Ripple intends to offer American institutions a one-stop shop for access to sophisticated trading services. Thanks to the integration of Hidden Road, Ripple becomes a multi-asset prime broker, with range of services now structured around the following elements:
- Multi-asset spot OTC execution, allowing large volumes to be processed outside of public markets;
- Cross-margining between different positions, offering better risk management for professional clients;
- OTC swaps, essential instruments for hedging complex exposures;
- Access to derivatives cleared through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), including crypto futures and options.
With this new architecture, Ripple wishes to capture an institutional clientele seeking reliability, flexibility and services consistent with traditional finance standards, a strategic positioning that is both ambitious and unprecedented for the firm previously known mainly for its payment services based on the XRP Ledger.
Ripple advances its pawns in the face of fragmented competition
By expanding its scope to the trading of derivative products, notably OTC swaps and instruments listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), Ripple is adopting a clearly offensive posture.
This focus differentiates the company from many crypto platforms which, since the collapse of FTX, have reduced their exposure to complex or institutional products. “We are now able to provide American institutions with a complete offering, adapted to their trading strategies”says Michael Higgins in the press release. This strategic choice positions Ripple at a unique crossroads between traditional finance and crypto infrastructure.
At the same time, Ripple is strengthening its presence in American political circles of influence. A company representative attended a fundraising event at the White House, organized in support of a project sponsored by Donald Trump. The project, estimated at $350 million, aims to build an 8,000 m² ballroom, replacing the historic East Wing.
Furthermore, Ripple is identified as one of the supporters of the political action committee (PAC) Fairshake, which would have contributed to the election of several candidates favorable to crypto regulation during the 2024 American elections.
Beyond the commercial announcement, this development demonstrates a global strategy aimed at anchoring Ripple in the mysteries of American economic and political power. Anticipating a potential recovery in the institutional crypto market, Ripple seeks to establish itself as a one-stop shop in a sector weakened by recent crises. It remains to be seen whether this increase in power will be enough to attract a still cautious clientele, while the price of XRP showed a decline of 5% over 24 hours.
Maximize your Tremplin.io experience with our 'Read to Earn' program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.
