Ripple has confirmed its blockbuster $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a shadowy credit network serving hedge funds and institutional traders. This move signals Ripple’s aggressive push to merge blockchain payments with traditional finance. Analysts see this as a direct response to fading SEC pressures, as Ripple seeks to dominate the "on-chain Wall Street" space. The deal could accelerate RippleNet adoption while placing Ripple among the elite players bridging crypto and legacy finance.

President Trump announced that the U.S. is engaged in trade negotiations with China, aiming to resolve ongoing tariff disputes. While details remain scarce, the discussions follow the imposition of significant tariffs by both nations, which have strained economic relations and impacted global markets.