Blockchain payment company XRP ( Ripple ) announced the launch of digital asset spot prime brokerage services for the U.S. market. This comes approximately seven months after the company completed its acquisition of Hidden Road for $1.25 billion (approximately 1.75 trillion won) last April. In an announcement on the 4th, XRP stated that U.S. institutional clients can now execute over-the-counter (OTC) spot trading of various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin ( BTC ), Ethereum ( ETH ), among others. This service is described as a supplement to the existing over-the-counter derivatives services, aiming to meet a broader range of trading strategies and needs. Michael Higgins, the overseas head of the principal brokerage business at XRP, stated: "The introduction of the over-the-counter spot trading feature enhances the existing service portfolio of XRP, providing American institutional clients with a more comprehensive digital asset trading service." He is the executive who previously held a position at Hidden Road prior to this acquisition by XRP.