Prime Brokers Bring TradFi Into Crypto, Says Ripple CEO

In a recent update shared by Cointelegraph, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse pointed out something big happening in the crypto world. He said that prime brokers like Hidden Road are playing a major role in bringing trillions of dollars from traditional finance (TradFi) into the crypto space.

While headlines often focus on token prices or exchange hacks, Garlinghouse believes the real transformation is happening behind the scenes — and prime brokers are leading the way.

What Are Prime Brokers, and Why Do They Matter?

In the world of traditional finance, prime brokers help large institutions trade smoothly. They offer services like risk management, custody, and access to global markets. In crypto, they are now doing something very similar — but with even more challenges to handle.

Companies like Hidden Road help banks, asset managers, and hedge funds invest in crypto without dealing directly with the messy parts — like wallets, private keys, or unregulated exchanges.

This setup makes it easier and safer for big investors to step into crypto. Garlinghouse says that with these trusted middlemen in place, we could see trillions of dollars flow into digital assets.

Ripple’s Bigger Picture

Ripple has always focused on building bridges between traditional banks and blockchain. Through XRP and its payment products, it’s worked with financial institutions for years.

Now, Garlinghouse believes the industry is reaching a new stage. It’s no longer just about building better blockchains — it’s about making crypto usable and accessible for the world’s biggest investors.

He explained that prime brokers are the “connective tissue” between TradFi and crypto. They’re not replacing the old system. They’re helping both sides meet in the middle.

Why This Is Happening Now

The timing isn’t random. In the past year, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have launched in several countries. These products give institutions more confidence to explore crypto.

But even with ETFs, many traditional investors still worry about risk, custody, and regulations. That’s where prime brokers step in. They provide structure and safety, which makes large-scale investing possible.

Without them, many big players would still be sitting on the sidelines.

Final Thoughts

Brad Garlinghouse’s message is clear: if you want to understand where crypto is headed, don’t just watch prices — watch the infrastructure.

Prime brokers like Hidden Road are quietly opening the doors for institutions. If this continues, we could be on the edge of a huge wave of new capital entering the crypto space.

The future of crypto might not just be built on code — but on trust, partnerships, and strong bridges between two very different financial worlds.