Ripple XRP Starts 2024 Strong with String of Victories

• Ripple has prioritized compliance with acquisitions and partnerships to boost its regulatory standing.
• Major company acquisitions have showcased Ripple’s focus on the growing custody space within fintech.
• Licenses in key markets and major company partnerships have underscored Ripple’s global ambitions.

Fintech giant Ripple is celebrating many successes, boasting recent acquisitions, licensing wins, and expanding global reach. CEO Brad Garlinghouse took to Twitter to express his enthusiasm for the company’s latest acquisition of Standard Custody Trust Company, adding it to a growing list of achievements in the last quarter.

Ripple Doubles Down on Compliance

Ripple’s regulatory compliance efforts received a significant boost with Standard Custody’s addition. This acquisition reinforces the company’s commitment to adhering to legal frameworks while expanding its product offerings and exploring new avenues. 

The deal brings Standard Custody’s limited-purpose trust charter and money transmitter licenses into the Ripple fold, strengthening its regulatory portfolio. This move follows another key acquisition in May 2023, Metaco , a custody solution provider, demonstrating Ripple’s focus on the custody space. 

Further solidifying its commitment, Ripple announced partnerships with top-tier institutions like HSBC , BBVA, and Zodia Custody in this area. Beyond acquisitions, Ripple’s global momentum is undeniable. The company recently secured critical licenses in major markets, including a full Major Payments Institution license from the MAS and a VASP registration in Ireland. 

Ripple Expands Global Reach

This impressive feat adds to Ripple’s existing New York BitLicense and money transmitter licenses in nearly 40 US jurisdictions. Ripple’s core business areas, payments, and custody,  have received significant attention, with live commercial custody offerings now available in 20 regulatory jurisdictions and payment services reaching 70 countries worldwide. 

This expansion into Africa, for example, highlights the company’s global aspirations. By doubling down on its core strengths, expanding its regulatory footprint, and forging strategic partnerships, Ripple is clearly on a winning streak. The company’s future seems bright, with continued growth and innovation expected in the ever-evolving fintech landscape.

On the Flipside

• While Standard Custody’s licenses are helpful, Ripple still faces significant legal challenges with the ongoing SEC lawsuit.
• Despite company achievements, XRP’s price performance hasn’t mirrored Ripple’s growth.

Why This Matters

Ripple’s recent acquisitions, regulatory wins, and global expansion solidify its position as a major crypto-powered payments and custody player. This signals the company’s growth and the potential mainstream adoption of crypto for financial services, impacting the entire industry.

To learn more about the importance of clear communication and collaboration to avoid misunderstandings in cryptocurrency investigations, read this:
Ripple CTO Clarifies “Internal Link” in XRP Hack Analysis

To learn more about the potential impact of the recent court order on the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit and the future of the cryptocurrency industry, read here:
Ripple vs. SEC: Could an Appeal Push the Lawsuit Into 2026?