News
  • Debashree Patra
    author-profile

    Debashree Patra right arrow

    Author

    Fun-loving and cheerful, a passionate blockchain and crypto writer who knows no boundary…connect if you share the same passion. With 10+ years of writing experience, I am a Crypto Journalist by chance, exploring, and learning all the dynamics of the sci-fi action-filled crypto world. Currently, focusing on cryptocurrency news and price data. With a passion for research and challenging my capabilities, I am slowly getting into the crypto arena to bring new insights every day.

    • Reviewed by: Nidhi Kolhapur

      author profile

      Nidhi Kolhapur right arrow

      Reviewed

      Nidhi is a Certified Digital Marketing Executive and Passionate crypto Journalist covering the world of alternative currencies. She shares the latest and trending news on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain.

      • author facebook
      • author twitter
      • author linkedin
    • 2 minutes read

    Is XRP Finally Free? What Ripple’s Settlement Means for Investors

    Story Highlights
    • Ripple drops its cross-appeal in SEC case, signaling the lawsuit's likely end while XRP’s legal status as “not a security” remains intact.

    • Experts warn the case isn’t officially over until the SEC withdraws its appeal; Ripple sees the move as a green light to move forward.

    After nearly four years of courtroom drama, Ripple Labs has decided to withdraw its cross-appeal against the U.S. SEC, signaling a potential end to one of crypto’s most-watched legal battles. CEO Brad Garlinghouse took to X to confirm the decision, saying, “We’re closing this chapter once and for all.” The SEC is also expected to drop its appeal, possibly bringing the case to a final close. 

    The SEC sued Ripple in 2020, alleging the company had raised $1.3 billion by selling XRP as an unregistered security. While XRP’s status in the public market was partially cleared in 2023, when a judge ruled that XRP sales on exchanges did not violate securities laws, the same court found Ripple guilty of breaking the rules in $728 million worth of institutional sales. While the case has seen many layers so far, many experts believe it is too early to celebrate. Here’s a real insight into what is left behind. 

    Ripple Chooses End Over Further Fight

    Faced with two options from the court, to pursue their appeal or walk away, Ripple opted to step back. Ripple’s chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, confirmed that this decision changes nothing about XRP’s legal standing, which remains “not a security.” Despite the outcome on institutional sales, Alderoty insisted it’s now “business as usual” at Ripple.

    On the other hand, there is still tension going on as the SEC has yet to drop the case like Ripple. Legal expert Fred Rispoli believes the SEC will either publicly or privately assure Ripple that it can operate freely, suggesting an unofficial green light for its business. He also expects no further enforcement actions, provided Ripple sticks to current regulatory standards.

    Experts Urge Caution—It’s Not Technically Over Yet

    Despite the optimistic tone, former SEC lawyer Marc Fagel poured cold water on celebrations, warning that the case isn’t truly over until the SEC officially drops its appeal. He noted that while the SEC voted to approve a settlement, that doesn’t automatically mean they authorized dropping the case. This confusion led XRP lawyer Bill Morgan to slightly revise his earlier statement that the lawsuit was “finally over.”

    Ripple’s Win Still Stands—Without Admission of Fault

    Critics have questioned whether Ripple’s decision to settle hints at guilt, but Morgan pushed back strongly, noting that most settlements don’t involve any admission of liability. More importantly, he reiterated that the core win was the court’s declaration that XRP itself is not a security, an outcome based on its nature, not the way it was sold. This supports the view that XRP is more like a commodity.

    If the SEC now drops its appeal as expected, the crypto world could finally close the book on one of its most significant legal battles.

    Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

    Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

    FAQs

    Is Ripple going to settle with the SEC?

    A joint settlement proposed by Ripple and the SEC was recently rejected by Judge Torres, meaning the prior $125 million penalty still stands. However, Ripple has withdrawn its cross-appeal, and the SEC is expected to drop its own appeal, signaling an end to the litigation without a formal settlement being approved by the judge.

    How much will XRP be worth after the lawsuit?

    While exact predictions vary, analysts are generally bullish on XRP’s price after the lawsuit’s resolution. Some expect it to reach $3-$4 in the coming months, with potential for higher targets ($8-$15 or more) in 2025, driven by reduced regulatory uncertainty and potential spot XRP ETF approvals.

    Has Ripple won a major case against the SEC?

    Yes, Ripple secured a significant partial victory in July 2023 when Judge Analisa Torres ruled that programmatic sales of XRP on exchanges do not constitute securities. This was a crucial win for XRP’s status in the retail market.

    Show More

    Related Articles

    Back to top button