XRP news today: Ripple Acquires Hidden Road for $1.25 Billion to Boost RLUSD Distribution

Ripple has made a significant move in the cryptocurrency market with its acquisition of Hidden Road, a technology-driven prime brokerage firm based in New York. The acquisition, valued at $1.25 billion, was announced on April 8, 2025, and is expected to accelerate the distribution of RLUSD, Ripple’s stablecoin, and enhance the adoption of the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

Hidden Road, founded in 2018, provides services to over 300 institutional clients, offering prime brokerage services in foreign exchange, precious metals, digital assets, and derivatives. By acquiring Hidden Road, Ripple gains direct access to a significant client base and prime brokerage infrastructure that it could leverage for RLUSD distribution. This move follows Ripple’s December 2024 launch of its RLUSD stablecoin, aimed at institutional use.

The stablecoin is designed to integrate XRP for added liquidity, an important factor as Ripple works to build stronger foundations for its crypto offerings in traditional finance (TradFi) markets. The acquisition unlocks substantial opportunities for both firms. The deal provides the needed capital for Hidden Road to expand in the lending sector. For Ripple, it creates an immediate network for stablecoin distribution and opens new avenues in the TradFi space.

Ripple’s move is critical because, while it launched RLUSD, USDT, and USDC remain deeply entrenched as the dominant stablecoins. The acquisition of Hidden Road allows Ripple to position RLUSD and the XRPL as serious competitors, offering an established distribution network at a time when the TradFi crypto market is still developing.

Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road is not just a financial maneuver; it is a calculated step to expand RLUSD distribution, strengthen XRP’s institutional adoption, and directly challenge the dominance of existing stablecoin leaders. The strategic rationale is clear. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has revealed plans to make RLUSD one of the top five stablecoins in the market by the end of 2025. By controlling a prime broker and stablecoin simultaneously, the company gains a competitive edge in the growing tokenized TradFi economy.

Ripple has recently minted 23 million RLUSD, its stablecoin, to bolster liquidity and strengthen its position in the market. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the utility of the XRP Ledger by increasing network usage. The RLUSD stablecoin has seen significant growth, with its supply reaching 76 million in just four days. This rapid expansion is indicative of the increasing demand for stablecoins and the potential for RLUSD to become a major player in the stablecoin market.

The launch of RLUSD on Aave V3's Ethereum market marks a significant milestone for Ripple, as it expands the stablecoin's reach and utility. This development is expected to further boost the liquidity of RLUSD and the XRP Ledger, as more users and institutions adopt the stablecoin for transactions and investments. The integration of RLUSD with Aave V3 also highlights Ripple's commitment to interoperability and cross-chain operations, which are crucial for the growth and adoption of stablecoins.

Ripple's efforts to expand the supply of RLUSD and enhance its liquidity are part of a broader strategy to position the stablecoin as a major player in the market. The rapid growth of RLUSD's supply and its integration with Aave V3 demonstrate Ripple's commitment to developing a robust and liquid stablecoin ecosystem. As the demand for stablecoins continues to grow, RLUSD is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the market, further boosting the utility and value of the XRP Ledger.