Ripple Expands License Arsenal with Fortress Trust Acquisition

In a strategic move to bolster its regulatory prowess, Ripple has acquired Fortress Trust, expanding its foothold in the United States.

Two lawyers shaking hands sitting by a desk on a dusty road in an abandoned, ruined city below a sky of blockchain.
Created by Gabor Kovacs from DailyCoin
  • Ripple has made a strategic move in the US, strengthened by a significant acquisition.
  • Fortress Trust has obtained a Nevada Trust license, revealing its authority to safeguard financial assets.
  • Ripple’s intriguing plans beyond the Fortress Trust acquisition have captured attention.


In a strategic move poised to reshape the landscape of financial technology regulation in the United States, Ripple, the innovative fintech powerhouse, has embarked on an ambitious expansion of its regulatory licensing portfolio.

With an official announcement on September 8th, Ripple introduced its acquisition of Fortress Trust, a company celebrated for its exceptional combination of regulatory expertise and cutting-edge technological innovation.

Ripple Reinforces Licenses Role

Fortress Trust specializes in providing bespoke regulatory and technological infrastructure designed to meet the specific requirements of blockchain enterprises. Notably, the company holds a coveted Nevada Trust license, granting it the authority to safeguard financial assets.

As Ripple expands its portfolio through this strategic acquisition, it not only bolsters its existing cache of over 30 licenses across the nation, primarily in the capacity of a money transmitter but also reinforces the pivotal role licenses play, as emphasized by Monica Long, Ripple’s president. 

Sponsored

She asserts, “Licenses are a powerful enabler to build and deliver best-in-class customer experiences for enterprises,” underscoring their significance in enhancing the company’s offerings.

Ripple’s CEO Reveals the Motive Behind Acquisition

Ripple’s journey with Fortress Trust commenced in 2022 when they participated in a seed round investment. While the specific financial details of the recent transaction remain undisclosed to the public, Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, sheds light on the strategic rationale behind this move. 

He highlights, "As an early investor in Fortress Blockchain Technologies, we’ve had a chance to get to know the team, its vision, and technology. Since their launch in 2021, they’ve built an impressive business with recurring revenue and a strong roster of both crypto-native and new-to-crypto customers." 

This partnership aligns perfectly with Ripple’s grand strategy, which includes the acquisition of Fortress Trust and envisions investments in its parent entity, Fortress Blockchain Technologies, and its affiliate, FortressPay Services, as alluded to in the official announcement.

On the Flipside

  • It’s worth noting that regulatory licenses, although seen as a sign of credibility, can also carry a burden of compliance costs, which may ultimately affect the pricing and accessibility of services for customers.
  • Brad Garlinghouse’s positive remarks about Fortress Blockchain Technologies could be seen as biased, considering Ripple’s vested interest in the company’s success.

Why This Matters

Ripple’s strategic acquisition of Fortress Trust marks a pivotal move in the crypto industry. It strengthens Ripple’s regulatory foothold and signifies a growing synergy between blockchain technology and the traditional financial landscape. 

Sponsored

To learn more about the evolving role of XRP as a bridge currency in the eyes of a Japanese financial giant, read here:
XRP Becomes Bridge Currency for Japanese Financial Giant

To stay updated on the recent record-breaking volume surge in XRP and the significant waves it’s making among stakeholders, click here:
XRP Shatters Volume Records as Major Stakeholders Make Waves

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Author
Kyle Calvert

Kyle Calvert is a cryptocurrency news reporter for DailyCoin, specializing in Ripple, stablecoins, as well as price and market analysis news. Before his current role, Kyle worked as a student researcher in the cryptocurrency industry, gaining an understanding of how digital currencies work, their potential uses, and their impact on the economy and society. He completed his Masters and Honors degrees in Blockchain Technology within Esports and Business and Event management within Esports at Staffordshire University.