SEC and Ripple End Five-Year Legal Dispute

Ripple Labs and the SEC’s five-year legal battle concludes as both parties dismiss appeals. XRP’s status is affirmed—public trading isn’t a security violation, leading Ripple to reduce fines from $2 billion to $125 million.

The joint dismissal is pivotal for the cryptocurrency industry, offering regulatory clarity and influencing future digital asset cases.

Ripple and SEC Legal Dispute

The legal dispute between Ripple Labs and the SEC centered on whether XRP was a security. The 2023 federal ruling determined XRP is not a security in public trading, contributing to the joint decision to end appeals.

Stuart Alderoty, Chief Legal Officer, Ripple, wrote on X (Twitter), “Following the Commission’s vote today, the SEC and Ripple formally filed directly with the Second Circuit to dismiss their appeals… The end…and now back to business.”

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, and Chris Larsen, Co-founder, were key figures in the legal proceedings. Both parties filed their decision with the Second Circuit, finalizing the matter. The SEC initially sought $2 billion from Ripple.

XRP Market Reactions

Following the legal resolution, XRP’s market value increased by approximately 5%, highlighting investor confidence. The ruling provides new clarity for XRP, potentially impacting its market interactions positively. The SEC’s decision to settle without further financial penalties emphasizes a strategic alignment to conclude the case. Ripple’s reduced fine from an initial $2 billion to $125 million reflects an appreciable shift.

Influence on Future Litigation

The conclusive settlement’s outcome impacts future SEC litigation involving digital assets. Other cryptocurrencies might experience a shift in regulatory approaches due to this case, altering their operational landscapes. Experts see potential regulatory advancements arising from this case’s resolution. The decision might influence U.S. crypto markets, setting procedural precedents. Ripple’s legal triumph is considered a benchmark, potentially shaping future regulatory frameworks.