Ripple is taking another major step into mainstream finance with the launch of Ripple Prime, a digital asset spot prime brokerage built for U.S. institutional clients. The new platform gives professional traders direct access to over-the-counter (OTC) spot trading in major cryptocurrencies, including XRP (XRP-USD) and Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, alongside derivatives, swaps, and foreign exchange products.
Elevate Your Investing Strategy:
- Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.
The move marks Ripple’s latest effort to cement itself as a full-service player in institutional digital finance. It follows the company’s acquisition of prime broker Hidden Road earlier this year, which provided Ripple with the regulatory licenses and infrastructure needed to expand its U.S. operations.
“The launch of OTC spot execution capabilities complements our existing suite of OTC and cleared derivatives services in digital assets and positions us to provide U.S. institutions with a comprehensive offering to suit their trading needs,” said Michael Higgins, international CEO of Ripple Prime.
Ripple Builds a Unified Trading Platform for Institutions
Ripple Prime allows institutional clients to cross-margin OTC spot positions with swaps and futures in one place. This is a capability that mirrors the efficiency of traditional prime brokerage in equities and foreign exchange. This means hedge funds, family offices, and asset managers can now manage all their digital asset exposures within a single risk framework, reducing friction and unlocking more flexibility in portfolio management.
The launch positions Ripple as a growing competitor in the institutional crypto market, joining a field that includes established players like Coinbase (COIN) Prime and Galaxy. With its emphasis on integrated settlement and liquidity, Ripple is betting that large-scale clients will prefer one unified platform that combines trading, custody, and payments rather than relying on fragmented solutions.
Ripple Expands Its Financial Services Ecosystem
Ripple Prime sits alongside Ripple Payments, the company’s blockchain-based cross-border settlement network, and Ripple Custody, its secure digital asset storage service. Together, the offerings form a connected institutional ecosystem where assets can move easily between custody, payment, and trading channels.
Ripple’s native assets, XRP and RLUSD, are woven through all three platforms to enhance liquidity and streamline settlement. The integration could also boost demand for both tokens as Ripple strengthens its institutional base in the U.S. and abroad.
At publication time, XRP was trading 4.2% lower at $2.42, though analysts say institutional adoption could help stabilize its long-term outlook as Ripple deepens its financial footprint.
