TLDR
- Ripple Prime CEO Mike Higgins confirmed that the firm uses XRP as collateral for institutional trades.
- Higgins stated that institutions can post XRP and borrow against it to execute trades.
- Ripple Prime applies traditional prime brokerage credit models to digital assets including XRP.
- The platform allows clients to extend capital without fully funding each trading position.
- Higgins clarified that XRP holds a central operational role within Ripple Prime.
Ripple Prime CEO Mike Higgins confirmed that the firm uses XRP as collateral to finance institutional trades. He shared the update during an interview with Jake Claver of Digital Ascension Group. The remarks clarify XRP’s role within Ripple Prime’s prime brokerage operations.
XRP Integrated Into Institutional Collateral Model
Higgins stated that Ripple Prime allows institutions to post XRP as collateral and borrow against it. He explained that the platform applies traditional credit mechanics to digital assets. He said, “Clients can retain their XRP exposure while unlocking liquidity for trades.” The structure enables firms to extend capital without liquidating holdings. As a result, institutions can execute trades across multiple markets.
📣 HUGE! Ripple Prime CEO Mike Higgins On Collateral Finance:
"We Have Some Pretty Innovative Ways of Taking $XRP as Collateral And Using That To Finance These Trades"
Ripple Infrastructure Is Being Built In Real-Time As TradFi and Digital Markets Merge 🔥 https://t.co/FaprpNNKNh pic.twitter.com/sRgGGq7fjD
— 🇬🇧 ChartNerd 📊 (@ChartNerdTA) March 17, 2026
He also addressed speculation surrounding Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road, now Ripple Prime. He said some assumed the platform would prioritize RLUSD over XRP. However, he clarified that Ripple Prime assigns XRP a central operational role. He stated, “We are leveraging XRP in innovative ways to finance institutional trades.” The model mirrors established prime brokerage frameworks used in traditional finance.
Ripple Prime Expands Services Across Markets
Ripple Prime operates as a full-service prime brokerage serving institutional clients. The firm provides clearing, credit, and market access services. It enables clients to trade without fully pre-funding each position. Therefore, institutions can extend balance sheets and access capital more efficiently. The platform supports trading across digital assets, foreign exchange, and fixed income markets.
Higgins confirmed that Ripple backs Ripple Prime with its balance sheet and infrastructure. He said the firm clears over $3 trillion in annual volume. He also confirmed expansion efforts in Brazil alongside Ripple Payments and Ripple Custody. He stated that Ripple Prime positions itself as a non-bank competitor in prime brokerage services. The company continues to scale operations under Ripple’s ownership.
Earlier reports suggested RLUSD would serve as the primary collateral asset. Ripple had confirmed RLUSD’s role on the platform. XRP appeared limited to post-trade settlement and transaction fees on the XRP Ledger. Higgins clarified that Ripple Prime integrates XRP directly into its financing framework. He emphasized that the company applies hybrid financial models to digital assets.
Higgins described the system as a bridge between traditional and digital markets. He explained that institutions can unlock liquidity while maintaining asset exposure. He said this structure improves capital efficiency within institutional trading desks. The company continues to expand services through Ripple’s global infrastructure. Ripple Prime remains active in scaling operations across supported jurisdictions.
Ripple confirmed that Brazil forms part of its broader regional growth plan. The firm continues to align Ripple Prime with Ripple’s core financial services. Higgins reiterated that XRP plays an active role in financing institutional trades. He confirmed that the collateral framework already operates within the platform.





