Ripple and SEC Conclude Five-Year Legal Dispute

Ripple Labs, Inc. and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have decided to drop their appeals, bringing their lengthy legal battle to an end.

The resolution marks a significant shift in regulatory approaches within the U.S. crypto industry, with Ripple ceasing its legal disputes and paying a civil penalty.

Ripple ceasing its cross appeal, matched by the SEC’s agreement to drop its own, closes the nearly five-year litigation. Brad Garlinghouse announced Ripple’s focus on building the “Internet of Value.” Garlinghouse was vocal on social media about the company’s future direction. The SEC had pursued the case since December 2020, with Judge Analisa Torres presiding.

The announcement had immediate effects on XRP, which saw a brief price increase of 1.4%. Financially, Ripple agreed to pay a civil penalty of $125 million, a far cry from the SEC’s initial demand of $2 billion. This resolution may influence future regulatory strategies for crypto, especially concerning sales to institutional versus public markets. The abrupt end to the appeals indicates a move away from stringent legal battles.

Industry experts, including former SEC official Marc Fagel, acknowledge the practical conclusion but note required court actions for formal dismissal. The outcome may shape both regulatory frameworks and market strategies in the U.S. As the dust settles on this case, Ripple’s endeavor to enhance digital asset development could gain momentum, impacting similar entities under regulatory scrutiny.

Settlement Announcement: Ripple and SEC