The broader crypto market is quiet, yet XRP catches people’s attention. Ripple’s plan to buy Hidden Road, a prime broker with support from Wall Street, could change the future of the XRP Ledger and boost Ripple’s goals in cross-border payments.
By working with Hidden Road’s extensive network of partners, Ripple can open up new paths for liquidity and build a stronger bridge between the crypto and traditional banking sectors.
Hidden Road Gains U.S. Approval, Boosting XRP Plans
Ripple’s move to grow in the U.S. just got a big boost. Hidden Road, the prime brokerage firm Ripple plans to acquire, has been approved by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to operate as a U.S. broker-dealer. This approval, granted to Hidden Road Partners CIV US LLC, enables the company to offer additional services, including clearing, financing, and prime brokerage, particularly for fixed-income assets.
With this new license, Ripple can establish stronger connections with institutional clients in the U.S. and expand its presence in the traditional finance sector. Now that Ripple has the go-ahead, it’s in a better position to attract new investors who were concerned about regulations.
Ripple’s Bold Move Forward
Hidden Road recently revealed that Ripple plans to acquire it for a significant $1.25 billion, just as it received regulatory approval. Though the deal is still pending final regulatory clearance, it’s expected to wrap up soon. Once finalized, Hidden Road will be able to leverage Ripple’s support to grow quickly and take on top competitors in the prime brokerage field.
Noel Kimmel, President of Hidden Road, emphasized that this license marks a significant milestone in their efforts to establish a strong presence in traditional finance. With Ripple’s backing, Hidden Road is positioning itself to become one of the leading non-bank prime brokers in the market.
XRP Price Remains Volatile in April 2025 
From April 9 to April 18, 2025, XRP showed a volatile price pattern, starting at $1.79, climbing to $2.15, and then dropping slightly to $2.07. The price increased early in the period, likely due to increased trading activity and growing interest. In the days that followed, it dipped as the overall crypto market became less stable. Even with the ups and downs, XRP stayed above $2.00, showing that many investors still have confidence in the coin.
XRPL’s Role in Hidden Road’s Future
Ripple isn’t just investing money—Hidden Road plans to move its post-trade processes to the XRP Ledger. This change could reduce costs and expedite settlements, providing clients with a more efficient way to manage trades after execution.
Ripple’s Cross-Market Vision
This move indicates that Ripple aims to do more than just facilitate crypto payments. By acquiring a company that’s set to grow in traditional finance and using the XRP Ledger for its operations, Ripple is working to make an impact in both the crypto world and regular finance.
As the deal nears completion, all eyes are on how Ripple will use this new company to grow its influence. While the change is quiet for now, it’s a smart move that shows Ripple is thinking ahead. This could mark a new phase for Ripple and XRP in global payments, bridging the gap between crypto and Wall Street. For those following XRP closely, this may be a big turning point.
Final Thoughts
Even though the crypto market is quiet, Ripple’s plan to buy Hidden Road is getting a lot of attention. With Hidden Road’s approval to operate in the U.S., Ripple is further strengthening its position in both the cryptocurrency and traditional finance sectors. Utilizing the XRP Ledger could expedite transactions and enhance Ripple’s competitiveness.
This move demonstrates that Ripple is thinking ahead, aiming to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency and traditional finance. As the deal moves forward, it could lead to a big shift in how global payments are made, boosting XRP’s role in the financial world.
