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 confirmed the decision, stating, "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 resolution.
Background: The SEC vs. Ripple Lawsuit
The SEC sued Ripple in 2020, alleging the company raised $1.3 billion by selling **XRP** as an unregistered security. In 2023, a federal judge ruled that **XRP sales on exchanges** did not violate securities laws, but Ripple was found guilty of breaching rules in $728 million worth of institutional sales. This mixed verdict left lingering questions for investors and the crypto market.
Ripple’s Strategic Decision to Settle
Faced with the choice to continue appeals or end litigation, Ripple chose the latter. Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, clarified:
- XRP’s legal status remains unchanged—it is "not a security."
- The company will resume normal operations, focusing on blockchain solutions and XRP adoption.
Legal experts like Fred Rispoli suggest the SEC may privately assure Ripple it can operate freely, effectively granting an unofficial approval for its business model.
👉 What’s next for XRP’s price after the lawsuit?
Why Experts Urge Caution
Despite optimism, former SEC lawyer Marc Fagel warns:
"The case isn’t over until the SEC officially drops its appeal. The settlement vote doesn’t automatically close the lawsuit."
Key takeaways:
- The SEC must still vote to dismiss its appeal.
- XRP’s non-security classification (from the 2023 ruling) remains intact.
- No admission of fault by Ripple—a common feature of settlements.
The Bigger Picture for XRP and Crypto
- Regulatory clarity: The case sets a precedent for how cryptocurrencies are classified.
- Market impact: Reduced uncertainty could boost XRP’s price and investor confidence.
- Commodity-like status: The court’s ruling reinforces that XRP functions more like Bitcoin or Ethereum than a traditional security.
👉 How to invest in XRP post-lawsuit
FAQs
1. Is the Ripple-SEC lawsuit completely over?
While Ripple has withdrawn its appeal, the SEC must still formally drop its case. A final resolution is highly likely but pending official confirmation.
2. Will XRP’s price surge after the lawsuit?
Analysts predict bullish momentum, with targets ranging from $3–$15 by 2025, depending on broader market trends and potential ETF approvals.
3. Does the settlement mean Ripple admitted wrongdoing?
No. Settlements typically avoid admissions of liability, and Ripple’s core victory—XRP’s non-security status—stands unchanged.
This marks a pivotal moment for XRP investors and the crypto industry. Stay tuned for updates as the SEC’s final decision unfolds.
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