Metaco

Company overview

Ever try storing your crypto under the mattress? Yeah, me neither—unless your mattress has multi-layered encryption, HSMs, and ISO 27001 certification. In the wild west of digital assets, “custody” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. And when Ripple, the blockchain juggernaut behind XRP, dropped 0 million in May 2023 to acquire Swiss-based crypto custody firm Metaco, it wasn’t just making headlines. It was making moves.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another acquisition? What’s the big deal?” Well, when Ripple opens up its war chest for a quarter of a billion dollars, you pay attention. Especially when that buy is all about safeguarding digital assets—not just any assets, but XRP and a growing list of institutional-grade tokens. This isn’t your average wallet integration. This is Ripple locking down the infrastructure layer of blockchain finance like Fort Knox with a Swiss accent.

Metaco isn’t some startup operating out of a co-working space in Zürich. This is a deeply institutional player, offering sophisticated custody solutions to banks, asset managers, and corporates across the globe. Think of it as the digital vault for the new era of finance—only instead of dusty gold bars, it’s safeguarding high-value crypto with military-grade security.

So why does Ripple care? Because if XRP is going to be the bridge asset for global payments, it needs to live in a world where institutions feel safe holding it. XRP doesn’t just move fast and cheap—it’s built for liquidity, compliance, and cross-border interoperability. But without secure and compliant custody solutions, those features are like a Ferrari without a garage. Enter Metaco.

Metaco’s platform, Harmonize™, enables financial institutions to integrate digital asset custody into their existing infrastructure, without having to rebuild from scratch. That means banks can now hold XRP (and other assets) securely, while still maintaining control, compliance, and auditability. It’s like giving the traditional finance world a crypto upgrade—without the chaos of DeFi rug pulls or anonymous wallet hacks.

And let’s be real: in a post-FTX world, custody has become one of the biggest friction points for institutional adoption. The market demands transparency, control, and resilience. Ripple’s acquisition of Metaco isn’t just a flex—it’s a strategic investment in the future of blockchain finance, designed to unlock real-world use cases for XRP and beyond.

So while others are focused on memecoins and moonshots, Ripple is building the plumbing for the next financial system. And Metaco? It’s the vault door—digitally sealed, institutionally trusted, and now, part of Ripple’s rapidly expanding ecosystem.

Understanding Metaco and Its Impact on XRP

At its core, Metaco provides the technological backbone that allows financial institutions to securely store, manage, and interact with digital assets. This isn’t just about cold wallets and private keys—Metaco’s tech stack integrates with core banking systems, enabling compliance, governance, and scalability at an institutional level. For XRP, this unlocks a massive utility boost. Financial giants can now hold, transact, and settle with XRP in a way that meets their internal and regulatory standards.

Ripple’s acquisition of Metaco is a game-changer for XRP’s role in global finance. With Harmonize™, Metaco’s flagship product, Ripple can now offer institutional clients a turnkey solution for digital asset custody. This means more banks, hedge funds, and fintechs can leverage XRP for real-time settlements, cross-border payments, and liquidity provisioning—without compromising on security or compliance. The result? A stronger, more integrated XRP ecosystem that’s ready for serious adoption.

• Metaco supports multi-asset custody, including XRP, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins.
• Its Harmonize™ platform offers policy-based governance for institutional compliance.
• Ripple’s integration with Metaco enhances XRP’s usability in regulated financial environments.
• Swiss-based operations provide strong legal and regulatory protections.

By embedding custody infrastructure directly into Ripple’s enterprise offerings, Metaco effectively removes one of the last major barriers to institutional XRP adoption. This isn’t just about storage—it’s about enabling high-velocity trading, seamless liquidity provisioning, and regulatory-grade asset management. In short, Metaco makes XRP enterprise-ready—and that changes the game.

Looking ahead, Ripple’s strategic investment in Metaco signals a clear commitment to building a secure, scalable foundation for blockchain finance. As institutional demand for digital assets grows, so too will the need for trustworthy custody solutions. And with Metaco in its corner, Ripple is positioning XRP not just as a cryptocurrency, but as a core asset in the future of global finance. For more insights, deep dives, and no-BS analysis of XRP and blockchain innovation, keep it locked right here at XRPAuthority.com—where crypto meets clarity.

Products and services

Let’s talk shop—because Metaco isn’t just a pretty interface with a Swiss zip code. This company brings a full-stack custody platform to the institutional table, and it does so with the precision of a Rolex and the firepower of a fintech disruptor. At the heart of its product suite is Harmonize™, Metaco’s digital asset orchestration engine. And when I say “orchestration,” I mean it in the most literal sense—Harmonize™ is conducting the symphony of secure digital asset operations across banking systems, exchanges, and custodians with zero missed beats.

Built for institutions, Harmonize™ is API-first, cloud-agnostic, and capable of running on-premise or in hybrid environments. This is crucial because let’s face it—not every bank is ready to run headfirst into the cloud. Harmonize™ allows financial institutions to keep their compliance officers happy while giving traders the speed and flexibility they need to compete. It supports the full digital asset lifecycle—from issuance and settlement to custody and tokenization—making it a one-stop-shop for any institution diving into blockchain finance.

Here’s what makes Metaco’s products stand out in the increasingly crowded crypto custody arena:

• Multi-asset support: Harmonize™ doesn’t play favorites. It supports a wide range of assets including XRP, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins—giving institutions the freedom to diversify without juggling multiple systems.
• Granular policy controls: Institutions can define who can do what, when, and how, using role-based access and multi-signature workflows. Think of it as DevOps meets compliance—finally, a solution that satisfies both the CISO and the CFO.
• Integration with core banking systems: Harmonize™ plugs directly into existing infrastructure, allowing banks and fintechs to deploy digital asset capabilities without a full IT overhaul. That’s a big win in a world where legacy systems still rule the roost.
• Tokenization and smart contract support: From security tokens to real-world assets, Metaco enables institutions to issue and manage tokenized assets securely and in compliance with regulatory standards.

And let’s not forget about hardware security modules (HSMs)—those cryptographic vaults that make hackers cry. Metaco leverages these to secure private keys in a way that’s both FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliant and scalable. Combine that with geographically distributed key sharding and zero-knowledge proofs, and you’ve got a security model that would make Fort Knox look like a bike lock.

But the real kicker? All of this is now integrated into Ripple’s enterprise-grade ecosystem. That means XRP, and all the liquidity and speed it offers, is now accessible to institutions via a custody platform that meets the highest standards of security, governance, and interoperability. Whether it’s for real-time treasury operations, cross-border settlements, or tokenized asset management, Metaco’s services are laying the digital rails XRP needs to scale across global finance.

In a market that’s still shaking off the dust from collapsed exchanges and shaky custodians, Metaco offers a beacon of trust. It’s not just about holding assets—it’s about empowering institutions to actively deploy, manage, and scale their digital asset strategies with confidence. And with Ripple at the helm, XRP is right at the center of it all—securely stored, institutionally adopted, and finally, ready for primetime.

Strategic partnerships

In crypto, partnerships are more than just PR fluff—they’re the scaffolding that holds up real-world adoption. And Metaco? It’s been playing 4D chess with some of the biggest names in finance long before Ripple came knocking. From global banks to national central banks, Metaco’s partnership playbook reads like a who’s who of institutional power. The firm has strategically aligned itself with legacy financial institutions that are dipping their toes—or in some cases, diving headfirst—into the world of digital assets. And now, with Ripple’s deep pockets and global network, that strategy is going full throttle.

One of Metaco’s most notable moves was its collaboration with Citibank—yes, that Citibank. The partnership was designed to explore digital asset custody at scale, marking a significant step toward institutional-grade crypto solutions. Other key Metaco partners include BBVA Switzerland, which launched its crypto trading and custody offering using Metaco’s infrastructure, and UnionBank of the Philippines, which became one of the first banks in Southeast Asia to roll out crypto custody services. These are not blockchain-native startups; they’re traditional financial heavyweights recognizing that the crypto train isn’t just coming—it’s already in the station.

So, what does this mean for XRP? With Ripple now owning Metaco, every one of these banking relationships becomes a potential on-ramp for XRP integration. Financial institutions already using Metaco’s Harmonize™ platform for Bitcoin or Ethereum custody can now leverage the same infrastructure to add XRP—no new systems, no new headaches. That’s like upgrading from dial-up to fiber without rewiring your whole house.

• Citibank: Engaged Metaco to explore enterprise-grade digital asset custody capabilities.
• BBVA Switzerland: Offers crypto trading and custody services using Metaco’s tech—XRP now within reach post-acquisition.
• UnionBank of the Philippines: Pioneered crypto custody in Southeast Asia, powered by Harmonize™.
• IBM and Avaloq: Partnered with Metaco to embed custody into core banking platforms, expanding reach across fintech ecosystems.

These partnerships don’t just boost Metaco’s credibility—they supercharge Ripple’s ability to push XRP into the financial mainstream. Imagine a world where asset managers in Zurich, bankers in New York, and regulators in Singapore all use the same custody framework to manage XRP. That’s not a pipe dream—it’s a strategic rollout in progress. Ripple’s acquisition of Metaco isn’t just about technology; it’s about tapping into an entire ecosystem of institutional trust, and leveraging it to place XRP at the heart of global blockchain finance.

And let’s not sleep on the regulatory angle. Many of these partnerships were forged with compliance in mind, providing a path for XRP to be adopted within frameworks that meet FATF guidelines, MiCA regulations, and SEC scrutiny. It’s one thing to have lightning-fast transactions; it’s another to have the legal scaffolding that allows trillion-dollar institutions to actually use your token. Thanks to Metaco’s partnerships, Ripple is checking both boxes—and then some.

With Metaco’s established network and Ripple’s vision, the path for XRP adoption has never been clearer—or more institutionally validated. It’s not just about building bridges anymore; it’s about laying down the highways for digital asset flow. And if you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, you already know where to turn—XRPAuthority.com, your no-nonsense guide to the future of XRP and blockchain finance.

Regulatory compliance and security

Let’s get one thing straight—when it comes to crypto custody, security and regulatory compliance aren’t just checkboxes; they’re the entire checklist. Especially in today’s regulatory climate, where the SEC, FATF, and every other acronym agency seems to have digital assets under a microscope, custody providers need to be airtight. That’s where Metaco truly shines—and why Ripple’s acquisition wasn’t just a tech play, it was a compliance power move.

Metaco’s security architecture is built like a Swiss bank vault—because, well, it kind of is. Operating out of Switzerland gives Metaco a unique regulatory advantage. The country is widely regarded as a global leader in digital asset regulation, with clear frameworks that support blockchain innovation while maintaining rigorous oversight. That legal clarity, combined with Metaco’s ISO 27001 and ISAE 3402 certifications, makes it a magnet for risk-averse institutions looking to enter the crypto space without stepping on regulatory landmines.

• ISO 27001 Certification: Ensures a systematic approach to managing sensitive information, including encryption, access controls, and threat mitigation.
• ISAE 3402 Compliance: Validates operational controls and risk management, essential for institutional-grade custody.
• FIPS 140-2 Level 3 HSMs: Provides military-grade hardware protection for private keys, meeting the highest industry standards.
• Swiss regulatory jurisdiction: Offers legal clarity and a forward-thinking approach to digital asset regulation.

But it’s not just about locking down private keys. Metaco’s Harmonize™ platform delivers policy-based governance, allowing institutions to tailor access, approvals, and asset workflows with surgical precision. Want to require CFO approval before moving more than million in XRP? Done. Need a multi-sig setup that involves compliance, treasury, and IT security? Easy. Harmonize™ doesn’t just comply—it operationalizes compliance. And that’s a big deal when you’re dealing with hedge funds, banks, and governments that can’t afford a single misstep.

Ripple’s integration of Metaco is a direct response to the increasing institutional scrutiny around digital assets. With high-profile enforcement actions and shifting global regulations, financial players are demanding infrastructure that’s not only secure but fully auditable and regulation-ready. XRP, as a bridge currency for cross-border transactions, thrives in high-volume, high-compliance environments. Metaco ensures that XRP can be used in exactly those contexts—without triggering red flags from regulators or risk committees.

What’s more, Metaco’s architecture supports on-premise deployments for institutions in highly regulated jurisdictions. This gives banks in regions like the EU, Middle East, and Asia the flexibility to host their own infrastructure while maintaining full control over data sovereignty and regulatory alignment. In an industry where “decentralization” sometimes feels like a euphemism for “nobody’s in charge,” Metaco brings the kind of structured, centralized oversight that big money demands. And now, thanks to Ripple, XRP is riding shotgun.

In the post-MiCA, post-FTX, post-wild-west era of digital finance, security and compliance aren’t optional—they’re the gateway to adoption. Metaco’s bulletproof framework gives institutional clients the confidence to explore XRP not just as a speculative asset, but as a legitimate tool for liquidity, settlement, and real-world utility. And that’s the kind of credibility Ripple needs to take blockchain finance from the sandbox to the boardroom.

So, if you’re wondering whether XRP is ready for the big leagues, here’s your answer: it’s not just ready—it’s regulatory-grade. And with Metaco’s fortress-like infrastructure now part of the Ripple empire, the future of secure, compliant, and scalable blockchain finance is already under construction. For the blueprints, the updates, and the straight-shooting insights, you know where to find us—XRPAuthority.com, your trusted source for everything XRP and beyond.