Ripple’s high-stakes legal battle with the SEC may soon end, as negotiations reportedly center on vacating a key ruling that imposed a $125 million fine.
SEC vs Ripple: XRP Lawsuit Wrapping up as Negotiations Reach Final Stage—Report
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SEC vs. Ripple Nears Settlement? Report Suggests a Resolution Is Closer Than Ever
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) case against Ripple regarding the sale of XRP could be nearing its conclusion, according to recent reports. The lawsuit, which has lasted over multiple years, has been a major point of contention in the cryptocurrency industry. Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett reported on social media platform X on March 12 that two sources indicated the case is in the process of wrapping up and may soon reach a resolution.
“Two well-placed sources tell me that the SEC vs. Ripple case is in the process of wrapping up and could be over soon,” she shared, adding:
My understanding is that the delay in reaching an agreement is due to Ripple’s legal team negotiating more favorable terms regarding the August district court ruling, which imposed a $125M fine on the company and included a permanent injunction preventing the company from selling XRP to institutional investors.
“The argument, I’m told, is that if the new SEC leadership is wiping the enforcement slate clean for all previously-targeted crypto firms because it believes regulatory clarity will resolve the underlying issue, why should Ripple still be penalized?” she explained. “Accepting the Torres ruling as it stands would mean that Ripple is essentially agreeing to admit to wrongdoing — but now the SEC itself is seemingly unsure whether any wrongdoing occurred.”
Terrett noted that Ripple’s argument revolves around the SEC’s shifting stance on cryptocurrency regulation. With new leadership at the agency reportedly reconsidering enforcement actions against crypto firms, Ripple contends that it should not be penalized for alleged past violations. Since there is no precedent for this kind of legal situation, the case may be taking longer to resolve than other crypto-related enforcement actions.
Earlier this month, lawyer James Murphy, known as Metalawman on X, similarly speculated that the delay may stem from Ripple’s efforts to negotiate vacating Judge Torres’ decision rather than the SEC. While the ruling largely favored XRP holders, he noted that findings of securities law violations and an injunction could hinder Ripple’s future plans, such as an exempt securities offering or an IPO. Murphy suggested the SEC might have agreed to a settlement involving both parties dropping their appeals and Ripple paying a $125 million fine, but Ripple may be seeking better terms.
The SEC sued Ripple in December 2020, alleging it conducted an unregistered securities offering by selling XRP. The case has since become a pivotal legal battle in U.S. cryptocurrency regulation. However, the agency itself is undergoing substantial changes, with many crypto-related enforcement cases, such as those against Coinbase, Kraken, and Robinhood, being dropped. The regulator’s stance on crypto appears to be shifting following the departure of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. Under the new leadership, the SEC has established a task force to reassess its approach to crypto regulation. This shift may have influenced the negotiations between Ripple and the SEC as they work toward a resolution.
