Ripple is boosting its presence in the cryptocurrency custody market while aiming for long-term gains, legal expert and big-time Ripple advocate John Deaton says.
The stablecoin issuer plans to offer tokenisation-as-a-service to banks and other financial firms, a move that could strengthen XRP’s market position.
Major Acquisition Bridges TradFi and DeFi
Deaton points to Ripple’s $1.25 billion purchase of Hidden Road as a prime example of marrying traditional finance with decentralised tools. Hidden Road is a prime brokerage handling more than $3 trillion for over 300 institutional clients.
By integrating Ripple’s blockchain, post-trade settlements now take just three to five seconds instead of a full day. Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin acts as collateral, linking digital currencies with conventional finance systems.
One-Stop Shop for Institutions
Ripple is not stopping at Hidden Road. The company has also acquired Standard Custody and teamed up with Metaco. This push into custody services means Ripple can now offer payments, stablecoins and secure storage all under one roof.
For banks and asset managers looking to explore blockchain, Ripple Custody could be the turnkey solution.
Also Read: Ripple ($XRP) Could See 30% Gain Toward $2.60 if It Stays Above Key $2 Support: Analyst
Custody Market’s Huge Potential
Boston Consulting Group estimates that assets under custody could top $16 trillion by 2030. Ripple wants a share of that booming market. Deaton believes Ripple’s infrastructure will let clients tokenize stocks, bonds or real estate on the XRPL.
Using RLUSD as the transaction bridge, the network could become a global centre for tokenized assets.
Wider Trend of Crypto Deals
Chamath Palihapitiya recently noted that crypto acquisitions and public listings in the U.S. totalled $8.2 billion across 88 deals in the first four months of 2025. That figure already triples the whole of 2024.
These deals fall into several types, from companies holding Bitcoin as a treasury asset, to mergers of traditional firms with crypto infrastructure, to specialists like custody platforms.
Ripple’s Metaco buy fits into the category of institutional service acquisitions, creating compliant tools for big investors.
XRP’s Price Actions and Legal Progress
XRP has climbed to $2.32, up nearly 7% in the last 24 hours. The global crypto market cap stands at $136.08 billion, with trading volume surging 126% over the same period.
At the same time, Ripple Labs and the U.S. SEC have asked the court to pause their appeals for 60 days. This step could bring fresh clarity to the long-running legal battle.
Ripple’s deep dive into custody and tokenization services signals its vision beyond payments. By combining acquisitions, stablecoins and partnerships, the firm aims to be the all-in-one blockchain partner for traditional finance.
As the SEC case pauses, Ripple may find more institutions ready to test its tools. If Deaton’s explanation of “long game” pays off, XRPL could emerge as a central hub for tomorrow’s tokenized economy.
Also Read: Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Reaches $76 Million In Deposits on Aave Within 4 Days