Earlier this year, Ripple made public its intentions to acquire Standard Custody & Trust Company, a custodian for digital assets that operates within regulated parameters. Following the necessary approvals from regulatory bodies, the acquisition has now been successfully completed. This strategic move not only enhances Ripple’s existing services but also opens up new avenues, such as stablecoins, all while maintaining a strong commitment to regulatory compliance. Ripple’s approach focuses on working closely with global regulators to seamlessly integrate blockchain technology into the global financial infrastructure.
In a recent announcement, Ripple revealed the finalization of its acquisition of @StandardCustody, marking a significant milestone for the company. This acquisition sets the stage for Ripple to further develop the Internet of Value, expanding its capabilities and offerings.
By bringing a regulated trust company, overseen by the New York Department of Financial Services, under its wing, Ripple now boasts nearly 40 money transmitter licenses across the U.S., a Major Payment Institution License from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration from the Central Bank of Ireland. This robust regulatory framework enhances Ripple’s ability to deliver cutting-edge enterprise infrastructure solutions powered by blockchain and digital asset technology, facilitating improved tokenization, storage, transfer, and exchange of value for institutional clients.
With the completion of this acquisition, Ripple has also revealed plans to introduce a stablecoin pegged to the USD. This initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between blockchain technology and traditional finance, meeting the growing demand for stablecoins that offer reliability, stability, and utility. Leveraging its extensive expertise in creating practical financial solutions, Ripple is poised to cater to the evolving market landscape. The new stablecoin, alongside XRP, will play a crucial role in Ripple’s payment solutions, serving enterprise clients on a global scale. Issued on the XRP Ledger, Ripple’s stablecoin will enhance liquidity on XRPL’s native DEX and support a wide range of financial applications for developers, users, and businesses.
Ripple has appointed Jack McDonald as the new Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, while he continues in his role as CEO of Standard Custody. With a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years in investment banking, asset management, financial services, and digital assets, Jack McDonald brings valuable expertise to lead Ripple’s stablecoin team. His leadership will be instrumental in launching Ripple’s stablecoin, driving growth and innovation in the digital asset sector.
Standard Custody marks Ripple’s second significant acquisition within a year, following the acquisition of Metaco in May 2023. Metaco is renowned for its institutional digital asset custody solutions. These strategic acquisitions underscore the growing importance of digital assets, including stablecoins, CBDCs, and tokenized real-world assets like stocks, bonds, commodities, and real estate. Ripple’s dedication to offering trust, utility, and liquidity aims to unlock access to these new asset classes and the broader token economy, accelerating market expansion.
Maintaining its commitment to regulatory compliance and superior customer service, Ripple continues to make strategic acquisitions to solidify its position as a leader in the enterprise blockchain sector. By obtaining the necessary licenses and adhering to regulatory guidelines, Ripple aims to enhance cross-border payments, digital asset custody, and other services. This proactive approach is vital for fostering institutional acceptance of blockchain technology and laying the groundwork for the future of digital finance.
