• Ripple acquires Nevada-based Fortress Trust, a chartered trust company with a focus on crypto and Web3, expanding its blockchain ecosystem.
• The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but it’s reported to be valued at less than Ripple’s $250 million acquisition of Metaco.

In a significant development, Ripple, a leading blockchain firm, has announced its acquisition of Fortress Trust, a Nevada-based chartered trust company with a strong emphasis on cryptocurrencies and the Web3 space. While specific financial terms surrounding the deal were not disclosed, insider sources suggest that the acquisition cost falls below the $250 million Ripple paid for custody firm Metaco earlier this year.

This strategic acquisition marks a crucial milestone for Ripple, adding Nevada to its growing list of regulatory licenses. Ripple already boasts a New York BitLicense and money transmitter licenses across 30 U.S. states, making it a formidable player in the blockchain and crypto regulatory landscape.

Fortress Trust, the newly acquired company, is renowned for providing essential financial and regulatory support structures for blockchain-focused enterprises. Founded by industry veteran Scott Purcell, who served as CEO of crypto custodian Prime Trust until 2020, the firm’s history is marked by its dedication to enhancing the blockchain ecosystem.

Ripple’s Strategic Expansion in the Blockchain Ecosystem

Interestingly, Prime Trust, after Purcell’s departure, faced turbulent times when BitGo, another prominent custodian, terminated its intended acquisition of the company, leading to its receivership. This adds an intriguing layer to the acquisition, as Ripple aims to leverage Fortress Trust’s expertise in its ambitious pursuit of becoming the go-to platform for enterprises seeking seamless conversion, storage, and transfer of value within the blockchain realm.

Notably, Ripple’s involvement with Fortress Trust predates this acquisition. In August 2022, Ripple had already taken a minority stake in Fortress Trust’s parent company, Fortress Blockchain Technologies, as part of the Web3 infrastructure provider’s seed funding round. This earlier investment appears to have paved the way for a deeper collaboration, culminating in the acquisition that promises to reshape the blockchain landscape.

In conclusion, Ripple’s acquisition of Fortress Trust signifies a strategic move towards consolidating its dominance in the blockchain sector. With an expanded set of regulatory licenses and enhanced capabilities in supporting blockchain enterprises, Ripple is poised to continue its ascent in the world of cryptocurrencies and decentralized technologies.