Payment company Labs Inc has recently made a significant stride with the acquisition of Switzerland-based crypto custody provider Metaco in a $250 million deal. This move, made through a combination of Ripple equity and cash, makes Ripple the sole shareholder of the Swiss crypto custodian. The acquisition comes with the potential to expand Ripple’s offerings as it integrates Metaco’s technology, which facilitates storage and management of crypto assets.
With this technology, Ripple aims to provide custody, issue, and settlement of tokenized assets for institutional investors. Notably, firms such as Citi, BNP Paribas, and Societe Generale’s digital asset arm have already benefitted from Metaco’s services, allowing them to transition to innovative business models. As Ripple ventures into crypto custody, it could experience new growth opportunities amid rising investor concerns about secure asset storage.
In recent years, investor caution has grown in the wake of the implosion of several cryptocurrency exchanges, including FTX’s collapse and bankruptcy filing. Consequently, as Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse stated, there would likely be increased demand for crypto custody among institutional investors. Garlinghouse also emphasized the importance of focusing on infrastructure for long-term success in the space.
However, it is essential to consider that the acquisition occurs amidst regulatory crackdowns on crypto firms, particularly in the United States. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently involved in an ongoing lawsuit against Ripple for offering XRP for sale, claiming it to be an unregistered security – a claim Ripple and legal experts have consistently refuted.
Having endured the lawsuit for over two years and expecting defense costs to reach around $200 million, Ripple remains optimistic for a positive resolution within the next six months. Garlinghouse expressed this sentiment during his recent appearance at the Dubai Fintech Summit. Additionally, Ripple scored a recent win as Judge Torres ruled that the SEC could not seal Hinman emails, as previously requested.
Ultimately, this acquisition signals a potentially bright future for Ripple as it seeks to enrich its offerings and cater to heightened investor demands for secure crypto asset storage. While regulatory challenges remain, Ripple’s optimistic outlook and recent court victories offer hope for those following the company’s journey in the crypto industry.
Source: Coingape
