Ripple’s protracted legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has entered its fourth year, with no immediate resolution in sight. The SEC initially filed the lawsuit in December 2020, alleging Ripple violated securities laws by raising $1.3 billion through XRP sales. While a New York federal court ruled in favor of Ripple in 2023—declaring XRP sales on digital exchanges as non-investment contracts—the SEC has since sought to overturn this ruling.
Could the Ripple Lawsuit End Sooner Than Expected?
Speculations had suggested that the SEC’s appeal process could drag the case out until 2026. However, recent developments in the SEC’s case against Binance have sparked optimism that the Ripple lawsuit may conclude sooner than anticipated.
The SEC and Binance recently filed a joint motion to pause their legal proceedings for 60 days. The move is reportedly aimed at judicial efficiency, considering the potential impact of the SEC’s newly established Crypto Task Force. Legal analysts believe this pause could set a precedent for the Ripple case, raising the possibility of a similar stay request.
The 60 day stay of the @binance case might indicate that @HesterPeirce & @MarkUyedaUS want to wait until Paul Atkins is confirmed as Chairman of the SEC before they dismiss crypto cases. https://t.co/FG0JaA03M0
— MetaLawMan (@MetaLawMan) February 11, 2025
Legal Experts Weigh In
Prominent legal expert James Murphy, known as MetaLawMan, has suggested that SEC Acting Chair Mark Uyeda and Crypto Task Force Head Hester Peirce are strategically delaying enforcement actions against crypto firms. Murphy speculates that Uyeda and Peirce are waiting for the U.S. Senate to confirm pro-crypto advocate Paul Atkins as the SEC’s permanent Chair before making key regulatory decisions. If confirmed, Atkins could take a more lenient stance on crypto-related cases, potentially leading to the dismissal or settlement of Ripple’s lawsuit.
Senate Delays and Market Impact
Despite these developments, Atkins’ confirmation remains in limbo. The U.S. Senate has yet to schedule his screening, with several Trump-era nominees awaiting confirmation ahead of him. This delay is viewed as a setback for crypto-friendly policies, particularly those championed by former President Trump.
Also Read: XRP Traders at Risk of Liquidations as Price Struggles with Key Resistance Levels
For now, the future of Ripple’s legal battle remains uncertain. However, if Atkins is confirmed, his leadership could significantly influence the SEC’s approach toward crypto litigation, including a possible resolution in Ripple’s favor.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of CoinBrief.io. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Coin Brief is not responsible for any financial losses.
