XRP-linked Ripple is earning fees financing leveraged stock bets, a business long run by banks
Ripple, the financial technology firm closely associated with the XRP digital asset, is aggressively expanding its footprint into the traditional securities market by financing leveraged exchange-traded funds. This move places the cryptocurrency-focused company in direct competition with major global banks and established securities firms that have long controlled this specialized lending sector. Through its Ripple Prime division, the company is now providing the capital necessary for funds that offer investors amplified exposure to the daily price movements of individual stocks and broader market indexes.
Acquisition of Hidden Road
The company established its presence in this market following its $1.25 billion purchase of Hidden Road, a multi-asset prime brokerage firm, in October 2025. This acquisition provided Ripple with an operational foundation capable of clearing trades, financing investment positions
Source: coindesk.com · 2026-10-08