Ripple Outlines M&A Strategy, Rules Out Exchange Deals

• Monica Long said Ripple is building a full crypto stack by integrating blockchain, stablecoins like RLUSD, and custody services.

• Ripple’s acquisitions target enterprise users, connecting corporate and hedge fund clients directly to its blockchain infrastructure.

• Long said Ripple will not acquire a crypto exchange, choosing to partner with CEXs while focusing on infrastructure and payments.

Ripple President Monica Long detailed the company’s acquisition and growth strategy during an interview on Bloomberg Crypto. Speaking about recent and future deals, Long explained how Ripple plans to expand its digital asset infrastructure. The discussion covered vertical integration, targeted acquisitions, and Ripple’s decision not to pursue owning a crypto exchange.

Vertical Integration and Ripple’s Expansion

According to Monica Long, Ripple’s acquisition strategy centers on building a full crypto technology stack. She said the company focuses on combining blockchain technology, stablecoins, and custody services under one infrastructure. Notably, Ripple strengthened its custody capabilities through Palisade, which provides MPC-based digital asset custody.

At the same time, Ripple has expanded its stablecoin offering with RLUSD. Long explained that these additions aim to accelerate development across Ripple’s core infrastructure. As a result, Ripple seeks tighter integration between blockchain networks, custody systems, and on-chain payment tools.

This approach reflects a broader trend across the crypto industry. Long noted that several major firms now pursue full-stack integration to support enterprise use cases more efficiently.

Acquisitions Target Enterprise Adoption

Beyond infrastructure, Ripple has acquired businesses that already serve corporate users. Long pointed to GTreasury as a key example. She said GTreasury supports more than 1,000 corporate clients using stablecoins for payments. Ripple plans to connect those customers directly to its blockchain infrastructure.

In addition, Long discussed Ripple Prime, which serves hundreds of hedge funds. She said Ripple applies blockchain and stablecoins to improve collateral mobility for those firms. Through these acquisitions, Ripple aims to embed its technology within existing financial operations.

Long emphasized that these businesses act as users of Ripple’s infrastructure. This strategy allows Ripple to expand usage while scaling its technology.

Why Ripple Will Not Buy an Exchange

During the interview, Long addressed speculation about Ripple acquiring a crypto exchange. She said centralized exchanges remain key partners for liquidity. However, Ripple has no plans to buy an exchange.

She added that decentralized exchanges continue gaining momentum as liquidity venues. Long noted that this development aligns with strengths of the XRP Ledger. While Ripple works closely with exchanges, its focus remains on infrastructure rather than trading platforms.

Long said Ripple continues prioritizing cross-border payments and collateral mobility. She framed the strategy as supporting enterprise needs through integrated digital asset infrastructure.