In an effort to solidify its role in the digital asset custody space, Ripple, the San Francisco-based blockchain innovator, is taking decisive steps. Following its notable acquisition of Metaco, Ripple has recently announced a job opening for a New York-based enablement engineer.

With the acquisition of Metaco for $250 million back in May, Ripple has made a significant leap into the realm of security-critical infrastructure provision for financial entities. Metaco, now under Ripple’s umbrella, is renowned for its scalable and sophisticated solutions tailored for the digital asset sphere, boasting a client roster that includes heavyweights like Citi, BNP Paribas, and Societe Generale’s digital asset division.

The focus of the new job vacancy is the Harmonize platform, which is instrumental in integrating clients with Metaco’s offerings. This move is indicative of Ripple’s strategy to cater to the burgeoning demand for reliable crypto custody services among institutional clients.

Ripple’s venture into the custody field is not merely an expansion but a strategic response to the increasingly stringent regulatory landscape of the crypto industry. The integration of Metaco’s technology allows Ripple to offer secure and regulatory-compliant digital asset management solutions, which is becoming more crucial as U.S. regulatory bodies turn their focus toward cryptocurrency enterprises.

Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has emphasized the necessity of developing robust infrastructure to manage the volatility of cryptocurrencies, prioritizing stability and compliance over short-term market gains.

On Feb. 13, Ripple announced its intent to acquire Standard Custody and Trust Company, enhancing its regulatory credentials with essential trust charter and money transmitter licenses. Standard Custody, with its New York trust license acquired in May 2021, is recognized for its top-tier custody and settlement services for digital assets.

Ripple is not just fortifying its stance in the U.S. but is also actively engaging with leading banks globally. The company is keen on bolstering its regulatory standing across key markets such as Singapore, the U.K., and Europe, with the aim of delivering a comprehensive suite of services to navigate the ever-evolving cryptocurrency market.