**Ripple’s Strategy Sparks Debate in Crypto Circles** 🚨

A leading pro-crypto lawyer, John Deaton, has voiced surprise over **Ripple’s decision not to follow Coinbase’s example** in securing a banking charter. While major players like **Circle, Coinbase, BitGo, and Paxos** are pushing for regulatory approvals to operate like traditional financial institutions, Ripple seems to be taking a different route.

Instead of pursuing a banking license, **Ripple is acquiring prime broker Hidden Road for $1.25 billion**, a move that could reshape its market positioning. Meanwhile, the company is also nearing a settlement with the **SEC over its long-standing lawsuit** $XRP