Ripple is doubling down on its mission to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. The company recently announced it has secured a $200 million credit facility from funds managed by Neuberger Berman, a global investment heavyweight with over $560 billion in assets under management. This massive influx of capital is earmarked for Ripple Prime, the company’s institutional brokerage arm, specifically to boost its capacity for margin lending and specialized financing services.
This move signals a significant shift in the crypto landscape, as institutional demand for sophisticated credit products continues to outpace available supply. By leveraging Neuberger Berman’s capital, Ripple is positioning itself as a primary liquidity provider for hedge funds, market makers, and large-scale trading firms that operate across both crypto and legacy markets.
The Evolution of Ripple Prime and the Hidden Road Legacy
The foundation of Ripple’s current brokerage dominance was laid in 2025 with its landmark acquisition of Hidden Road. The $1.25 billion deal was a watershed moment for the industry, marking the first time a crypto-native firm acquired a global prime broker of that scale. Since the acquisition and subsequent rebranding to Ripple Prime, the unit has reportedly tripled its revenue, proving that institutional investors are hungry for regulated, high-capacity clearing and execution services.
Before joining Ripple, Hidden Road was already a powerhouse, processing approximately $3 trillion in annual trading volume. By integrating this infrastructure, Ripple gained immediate access to over 300 institutional clients and a battle-tested platform for clearing and financing. The new $200 million credit line ensures that Ripple Prime can maintain this momentum, providing the necessary “dry powder” to support larger trades and more complex margin requirements for its growing client base.
Expanding the Ecosystem Through Strategic Integrations
Ripple isn’t just scaling its capital; it’s also expanding its utility through strategic partnerships. A recent collaboration with the crypto exchange Bullish has further enhanced the Ripple Prime ecosystem. This integration allows institutional users to access regulated Bitcoin options markets directly, using stablecoins like Ripple USD (RLUSD) as collateral.
This synergy between credit availability and product diversity is what Ripple Prime president Noel Kimmel believes will set the platform apart. As the lines between digital and traditional finance continue to blur, Ripple’s ability to offer deep liquidity, institutional-grade security, and flexible financing makes it a formidable player in the global market infrastructure. While Ripple has not disclosed specific profitability figures for the unit, the rapid scaling and backing from a firm as prestigious as Neuberger Berman suggest a high level of confidence in the future of institutional crypto brokerage.