Ripple Labs has acquired crypto-friendly prime brokerage Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, marking one of the largest deals in the crypto industry. This acquisition aims to enhance Ripple's capability to serve a broader range of institutional clients. CEO Brad Garlinghouse noted that the US market is now open for digital asset adoption due to reduced regulatory pressure, which is advancing the maturation of the crypto sector. The transaction reflects a growing interest among financial institutions in digital asset services, as highlighted by a survey indicating that 86% of institutional investors either hold or plan to invest in cryptocurrencies in 2025. Founded in 2018, Hidden Road provides essential services such as securities lending and transaction financing, clearing over $3 trillion annually. Ripple plans to integrate its token, RLUSD, into Hidden Road's offerings, positioning it competitively in the market for stablecoins. This strategic move follows a surge in M&A activity within the crypto sector, indicating a robust interest in the expansion of digital finance.

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