TLDR
- Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road signals its expansion into financial services.
- Binance to list Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, marking global momentum.
- Ripple’s fast-paced growth contrasts with JPMorgan’s slower adaption.
- Ripple’s IPO speculation rises as it builds a broad financial infrastructure.
Ripple, the blockchain-based company, has made significant strides in expanding its financial infrastructure. Expert Allan Staple recently highlighted Ripple’s fast-paced development, especially after the company’s strategic acquisitions.
The firm’s purchase of Hidden Road, which has now been rebranded as Ripple Prime, is seen as a turning point. Ripple has also acquired other companies focused on payments and treasury services, further broadening its financial reach.
Staple noted that Ripple is not only focusing on cryptocurrency but is positioning itself as a full-scale financial institution. “Ripple is no longer just a crypto firm; it’s becoming a comprehensive financial platform,” said Staple. This shift includes securing key financial services like brokerage, payments infrastructure, and even stablecoin rails. These acquisitions help Ripple to build a more integrated financial ecosystem.
Ripple’s Advantage Over Traditional Banks
Ripple’s growth trajectory has led some experts to argue that it is outpacing traditional banking giants like JPMorgan Chase. According to Staple, Ripple’s focus on modern financial systems designed for real-time, global transactions has given it a technological edge. He further explained that JPMorgan and other traditional banks face structural limitations, making it harder for them to adapt to the rapid pace of innovation in financial technology.
While JPMorgan has made efforts to update its infrastructure, the traditional banking system often deals with regulatory and legacy system challenges. This has allowed Ripple to lead in areas such as blockchain-powered payments and real-time cross-border transactions. “Ripple is ahead in terms of execution and speed,” Staple said, referring to Ripple’s ability to move quickly in implementing new technologies compared to slower traditional banking giants.
Ripple’s IPO Potential in 2026
A potential initial public offering (IPO) for Ripple has also garnered attention in the market. Experts believe that the company’s growth, paired with its broadening financial offerings, could make Ripple an attractive investment for those looking at future financial technologies. While Ripple has not confirmed a timeline for its IPO, the growing speculation about the company’s potential public listing is palpable.
Staple remarked that if Ripple does go public in 2026, it could attract significant investor interest. He emphasized that Ripple’s focus is on long-term, sustainable financial technology rather than short-term trends.
This approach could make the company appealing to investors who are interested in innovative financial systems. The growing demand for stablecoins and decentralized finance (DeFi) could also bolster Ripple’s IPO prospects, especially with its expanding presence in these sectors.
Binance’s Support for Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin
In a significant development, Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced the listing of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin. The stablecoin, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar, will begin trading on Binance on January 22, 2026. Initially, Binance will support the Ethereum-based version of RLUSD, with plans to add support for the XRPL-based version in the near future.
Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin has gained traction in the market, with a market cap of $1.4 billion. This move by Binance to list the stablecoin shows the growing acceptance of Ripple’s digital assets in the broader cryptocurrency market. Binance’s zero-trading-fee promotion for stablecoin pairs will likely further boost RLUSD’s liquidity and global adoption. Jack McDonald, Ripple’s stablecoin lead, described the launch as a sign of “big global momentum” for RLUSD, highlighting Ripple’s expansion into traditional financial markets.





