A Major Legal Battle Comes to an End
Ripple’s long-running lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially ended. The case, which began in December 2020, revolved around whether XRP was sold as an unregistered security. The legal battle has been a significant moment in the crypto world, testing how U.S. securities laws apply to digital assets.
Ripple's Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, confirmed that the company would drop its cross-appeal, closing the chapter on the case. As part of the settlement, Ripple will receive a refund of $75 million from the original $125 million fine. The SEC will retain $50 million of the amount, but the settlement signals a shift in the SEC’s approach toward crypto regulations.
The final crossing of t’s and dotting of i’s – and what should be my last update on SEC v Ripple ever…
— Stuart Alderoty (@s_alderoty) March 25, 2025
Last week, the SEC agreed to drop its appeal without conditions. @Ripple has now agreed to drop its cross-appeal. The SEC will keep $50M of the $125M fine (already in an…
The final crossing of t’s and dotting of i’s – and what should be my last update on SEC v Ripple ever…
— Stuart Alderoty (@s_alderoty) March 25, 2025
Last week, the SEC agreed to drop its appeal without conditions. @Ripple has now agreed to drop its cross-appeal. The SEC will keep $50M of the $125M fine (already in an…
The Shift in SEC's Stance on Crypto
The SEC’s settlement with Ripple comes at a time when the agency appears to be softening its stance on cryptocurrencies. Recently, the SEC dropped lawsuits against major exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken, further signaling a more favorable regulatory environment for crypto companies.
The Ripple case also follows a shift in U.S. politics, with Ripple increasing its involvement in political action committees (PACs) supporting pro-crypto candidates. This move, while separate from the legal settlement, suggests a growing political influence in the crypto space.
XRP ETF Approval – A Step Toward Institutional Investment
With the legal dispute now behind it, Ripple’s focus is on the future. Polymarket, a prediction market platform, now estimates an 86% chance that an XRP ETF will be approved by 2025. This would open the door for institutional investment in XRP, further legitimizing its position in the crypto market.
Despite recent market fluctuations, XRP has remained stable, trading at $2.46. Analysts believe that with the SEC case behind it, XRP could rise further, possibly reaching $2.99 or even $3.40 in the near future. An XRP ETF approval could lead to even more significant gains, bolstering investor confidence.
What’s Next for Ripple and XRP?
Ripple’s victory in the courtroom marks a pivotal moment for the crypto industry. With the possibility of an XRP ETF on the horizon, the future looks bright for the digital asset. Clearer regulations, along with growing investor confidence, could result in significant growth for XRP in the coming months.
Conclusion
The end of Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC is a major win for the crypto industry. With the potential approval of an XRP ETF by 2025, XRP is well-positioned for future growth.