Ripple Strengthens Crypto Custody—What This Means for Banks

Key Takeaways

  • Ripple integrates Palisade’s wallet technology into custody and payments to serve institutional clients.
  • US prime brokerage launch enables OTC spot trading across multiple cryptocurrencies.
  • Aggressive acquisitions solidify Ripple’s position as a leading enterprise crypto solutions provider.

Ripple is rapidly positioning itself as a dominant player in institutional crypto services through strategic acquisitions and new service launches. The company recently acquired crypto custody firm Palisade and launched a digital asset spot prime brokerage in the United States, signaling a strong push to serve banks, fintechs, and corporate clients.

Ripple Acquires Palisade to Enhance Custody and Payments

In its latest move, Ripple acquired Palisade, a wallet-as-a-service provider, to integrate its technology into Ripple Custody and Ripple Payments. This integration strengthens Ripple’s infrastructure for institutional clients, including corporates and fintechs seeking secure and compliant digital asset solutions.

Ripple President Monica Long emphasized the growing role of corporate adoption in crypto’s next phase: “Corporates are poised to drive the next massive wave of crypto adoption. They need trusted, licensed partners with out-of-the-box capabilities.”

Beyond custody, Palisade’s technology will enhance XRP Payments, enabling subscription payments, collections, and crypto-to-fiat on/off ramps across multiple blockchains. The move also supports high-speed use cases and deeper interoperability with DeFi protocols, critical for enterprise crypto adoption.

US Prime Brokerage Launch Targets Institutional OTC Trading

Ripple further expanded its US footprint by launching a digital asset spot prime brokerage for institutional clients. This service complements Ripple’s over-the-counter (OTC) and cleared derivatives offerings, enabling multi-crypto spot transactions.

Also Read: Why Ripple’s Prime Brokerage Could Redefine Institutional Crypto Access

Michael Higgins, CEO of Ripple Prime, explained that the integration of Hidden Road’s infrastructure positions XRP as a comprehensive multi-asset prime broker. Clients now gain access to cross-margin OTC spot trading, swaps, holdings, and CME-listed futures and options.

Ripple’s Aggressive Growth Strategy

Ripple has invested over $4 billion in acquisitions this year alone, including Hidden Road ($1.25B), GTreasury ($1B), and stablecoin platform Rail ($200M). These acquisitions, combined with Palisade, create one of the most complete institutional crypto infrastructures in the market.

Also Read: Ripple Rallies: XRP Price Soars on SEC Win, ETF Speculation, and Stablecoin Growth

Despite short-term volatility in XRP prices, Ripple continues to strengthen its influence in the US regulatory landscape, maintaining relationships with policymakers and supporting pro-crypto political initiatives.

Ripple’s strategic moves not only expand its institutional offerings but also position the company as a critical partner for corporates navigating the evolving digital asset landscape.

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