Ripple’s Strategic Leap: XRP’s Path to Dominance with $1.25B Hidden Road Acquisition and Prime Brokerage Launch

In a groundbreaking move, Ripple has completed its $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, rebranding it as Ripple Prime. This strategic acquisition marks Ripple as the first cryptocurrency company to own a multi-asset prime broker, significantly expanding its service offerings to include digital assets, foreign exchange, derivatives, and fixed income. The newly launched Ripple Prime platform already serves over 300 institutional clients, clearing more than $3 trillion in transactions. This development not only solidifies Ripple's position in the financial sector but also paves the way for XRP's increased adoption and utility. As of November 2025, this acquisition is poised to drive XRP's value and influence in the cryptocurrency market, offering unparalleled opportunities for institutional investors and reinforcing Ripple's commitment to bridging traditional finance with the digital asset ecosystem.

Ripple Completes $1.25 Billion Hidden Road Acquisition, Launches Prime Brokerage Service

Ripple has finalized its $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, rebranding it as Ripple Prime. The deal positions Ripple as the first crypto company to own a multi-asset prime broker, offering services across digital assets, foreign exchange, derivatives, and fixed income.

The platform now serves over 300 institutional clients, clearing more than $3 trillion in transactions. Since the acquisition was announced in April 2025, the business has tripled in size. Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin is being utilized as collateral by derivatives clients on the platform.

This marks Ripple's sixth acquisition in 28 months, following purchases of GTreasury, Rail, Standard Custody, and Metaco. The move underscores Ripple's aggressive expansion into institutional crypto services.

Evernorth Launches $1B XRP Fund in MicroStrategy-Style Move; DEXes Prove Resilience Amid Market Turmoil

Ripple Labs-backed Evernorth has unveiled a $1 billion fund to accumulate XRP through debt securities, mirroring MicroStrategy's Bitcoin strategy. The firm plans to go public on Nasdaq via a SPAC merger with Armada Acquisition Corp II under the ticker "XRPN." Key investors include SBI Holdings ($200M commitment), Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen, and crypto heavyweights Pantera Capital, Kraken, and GSR. Ripple is expected to contribute directly to the XRP holdings.

Decentralized exchanges (DEXes) have emerged stronger from the recent market crash, proving their resilience as blockchain-based alternatives to centralized platforms. Spot DEXes like Uniswap and perpetual DEXes like Hyperliquid executed transactions flawlessly via smart contracts, underscoring their viability even under stress.

Meanwhile, Chinese tech giants ANT Group and JD.com have paused stablecoin initiatives amid regulatory scrutiny, signaling Beijing's tightening grip on private digital currency projects.

Ripple Expands Powerfully into Financial Ecosystem with Strategic Moves

Ripple, traditionally known for its stablecoin and cross-border payment solutions, has aggressively expanded its financial ecosystem with the launch of "Ripple Prime." This marks the first multi-asset prime brokerage owned by a cryptocurrency firm, following its acquisition of global credit network Hidden Road. The integration, finalized in October, positions Ripple to dominate not just payments but also institutional brokerage and clearing services.

Since announcing the deal, Ripple Prime's operations have tripled. The platform now integrates Ripple's payment network, crypto custody infrastructure, and RLUSD stablecoin—streamlining institutional workflows while cutting costs. RLUSD has also begun serving as collateral for derivatives within the ecosystem, signaling broader adoption ahead.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Reaffirms XRP’s Core Importance Amid Strategic Expansion

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has doubled down on XRP’s centrality to the company’s operations, even as it diversifies into stablecoins and institutional infrastructure. The $1.25 billion acquisition of prime brokerage platform Hidden Road marks a pivotal step in Ripple’s push to dominate institutional crypto adoption.

XRP remains the backbone of Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity services, with Garlinghouse dismissing speculation about its diminishing role. The Hidden Road deal accelerates Ripple’s vision for an Internet of Value—a financial ecosystem where XRP facilitates seamless cross-border transactions.

The acquisition grants Ripple control over a multi-asset prime brokerage, expanding its custody, payments, and digital asset infrastructure. This strategic MOVE underscores Ripple’s ambition to bridge traditional finance and crypto markets, with XRP as the linchpin.

Experts Warn XRP Holders of Liquidity Crunch During Price Surges

XRP investors may face significant challenges offloading holdings during rapid price appreciation, with experts warning of evaporating liquidity on exchanges. Jake Claver of Digital Ascension Group notes order book imbalances could emerge during rallies, leaving retail traders vulnerable to slippage.

The warning comes as Ripple's acquisition of GTreasury threatens to further constrict circulating supply. Market makers appear unprepared for volatility spikes, with institutional players likely to dominate price discovery during major movements.

Diana's analysis suggests unrealistic liquidity expectations could prove costly for holders. The situation highlights structural weaknesses in XRP markets, where exchange infrastructure hasn't kept pace with potential demand volatility.

XRP Whales Dump 70 Million Tokens Amid Market Uncertainty

XRP faces mounting pressure as large holders offload 70 million tokens worth $178 million within 48 hours. The cryptocurrency now hovers NEAR critical support at $2.50, with analysts warning of potential downside toward $2.00 if selling persists.

Whale wallets holding 100,000 to 10 million XRP led the exodus, according to Santiment data. Historical patterns suggest such movements often precede short-term declines. "Historically, whale activity often precedes short-term price declines," noted analyst Ali Martinez.

Technical indicators present a bifurcated outlook. While the $2.50 support zone shows vulnerability, a decisive break above $2.60 resistance could trigger bullish momentum. Market participants remain divided on whether this represents profit-taking before renewed upside or the start of deeper correction.