XRP News Today: XRP's $144B Bet: Unlocking $120T in Trapped Corporate Liquidity

Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has ignited fresh speculation about the future of XRP, positioning the cryptocurrency at the center of the company's broader strategy to dominate institutional finance. The latest developments include a $1 billion SPAC merger through Evernorth, a partnership with cloud computing firm LeanHash, and a $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a non-bank prime broker. These moves underscore Ripple's ambition to integrate XRP into global financial infrastructure while navigating a volatile market.

Evernorth, a Ripple-backed entity, announced a $1 billion fundraising via a merger with Armada Acquisition Corp II, with proceeds earmarked for open-market XRP purchases and institutional yield strategies, according to Coinpedia. SBI Holdings led with a $200 million commitment, while Ripple and Pantera Capital also participated. The firm plans to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker XRPN by early 2026, as reported by Bitcoinist. This initiative distinguishes itself from traditional ETFs by actively deploying XRP in liquidity and DeFi strategies, aiming to enhance institutional adoption, per OKX.

Simultaneously, Ripple expanded its technical infrastructure by partnering with LeanHash, a UK-based cloud computing provider. LeanHash will supply high-performance, green computing power to support XRP's global operations, according to BitcoinWorld. The collaboration highlights Ripple's focus on sustainability, with LeanHash sourcing 60% of its energy from renewables. Retail investors have also shown enthusiasm, with LeanHash's mining contracts attracting rapid sign-ups, the coverage noted.

Ripple's acquisition of Hidden Road, rebranded as Ripple Prime, marks a pivotal shift into traditional finance. The firm now offers prime brokerage services for digital assets, derivatives, and foreign exchange, positioning XRP and its stablecoin RLUSD as collateral for institutional clients, according to Yahoo Finance. CEO Garlinghouse emphasized the move's role in unlocking $120 trillion in trapped corporate liquidity by modernizing legacy systems, a point highlighted in Bitcoinist. RLUSD, already used in derivatives products, could further cement XRP's utility in cross-border settlements, industry sources told Cointelegraph.

Market reactions to these developments have been mixed. XRP briefly surged to $2.40 following Evernorth's funding announcement but later retreated to $2.18 amid broader crypto market weakness, according to TradingView. Analysts warn of volatility risks, though some argue XRP's regulatory clarity in the U.S. and growing institutional demand could drive long-term value. A crypto analyst cited by ZyCrypto noted that a $100 XRP price—though extreme—might be achievable if the token becomes a core asset in global liquidity flows.

Ripple's strategy also includes expanding its treasury capabilities. The acquisition of GTreasury, a corporate treasury management firm, complements Evernorth's efforts by integrating blockchain into cash forecasting and risk management for enterprises, according to Yahoo Finance. This $1 billion deal, alongside the Rail acquisition, strengthens Ripple's foothold in traditional finance.

While the company's aggressive expansion has drawn praise for innovation, challenges remain. Regulatory scrutiny, market volatility, and execution risks for active treasury models could test Ripple's vision. However, with XRP's market cap approaching $144 billion and institutional adoption gaining momentum, Ripple's CEO appears poised to make XRP the linchpin of its next phase.