- XRP legal battle with the SEC ended when both parties withdrew their appeals, confirming the case is closed.
- This clears the way for Ripple to expand and boosts confidence in XRP’s future.
The XRP community celebrated on August 8th when Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) jointly withdrew their appeals, seemingly ending a five-year legal battle. However, the silence from Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse sparked questions — is the lawsuit truly over? Former SEC lawyer Marc Fagel sheds light on why this pause is normal and why the case likely has reached its final chapter.
The End of a Long XRP Legal Battle
The joint dismissal filed with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals officially closes all ongoing appeals from the SEC’s lawsuit, which started in December 2020. The SEC had accused Ripple of selling $1.3 billion in unregistered securities through XRP sales. A crucial ruling last July saw Judge Analisa Torres decide XRP sales to retail investors did not count as securities transactions, but institutional sales did — leading to Ripple paying a $125 million fine.
Once the appeals are withdrawn, the original ruling automatically stands without needing further court sign-offs, explains Fagel. This means the legal uncertainty clouding XRP for years is effectively lifted.
Why the Silence from Ripple’s CEO?
Many investors wondered why Brad Garlinghouse didn’t immediately comment on the news. Fagel clarifies that public statements aren’t always necessary at this stage. Since the joint withdrawal is a public legal document, no additional announcement or judge approval is required. The delay simply reflects normal legal procedure rather than any underlying issue.
Ripple’s New Beginning Without the “Bad Actor” Label
With the appeals gone, Ripple is no longer branded a “Bad Actor,” a label that restricted its fundraising and expansion opportunities. This opens doors for Ripple to:
- Form new partnerships with financial institutions
- Expand RippleNet payment services
- Explore potential XRP ETFs
- Increase adoption in cross-border payments
These possibilities could accelerate Ripple’s growth now that legal distractions are behind it.
What’s Next for XRP Price and Traders?
XRP’s price has reacted positively, although some gains were already priced in. Analysts expect renewed institutional interest due to regulatory clarity, combined with buzz around upcoming ETFs. Some predict XRP could reach $10 or even $25 if current momentum holds, positioning it as a top contender for the next altcoin bull run.
To capitalize on XRP’s new phase, innovative trading tools like Snorter — a Telegram-based bot with ultra-low fees — are gaining attention. Such platforms offer traders new ways to benefit from XRP’s improved market outlook.
In conclusion, the joint dismissal likely signals the official end of the SEC case, paving the way for Ripple to grow unhindered. As legal hurdles vanish, all eyes remain on XRP as it enters a promising chapter in crypto’s evolving landscape.
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