- Ripple avoided promoting XRP for years due to SEC legal risks.
- The Clarity Act could remove XRP from securities law restrictions.
- Regulatory approval may enable wider adoption and ecosystem growth.
Ripple has spent years in the shadows, avoiding any public promotion of its XRP token. The reason was clear: the company feared that marketing XRP too aggressively could strengthen the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) case against it. Now, as new regulatory clarity emerges, Ripple may finally have the freedom to promote XRP openly.
Years of Silence: Ripple’s Strategic Restraint
Ripple lawyer Bill Morgan recently detailed the company’s cautious approach on X. “Ripple could not promote XRP or the XRPL for fear of being sued by the SEC for promoting and offering for sale an unregistered security,” he wrote. Despite these precautions, the SEC filed its lawsuit in 2018, leaving Ripple in a uniquely constrained position compared to other cryptocurrencies.
According to Morgan, Ripple anticipated regulatory risks as far back as 2013. By the time the SEC launched its investigation, Ripple had effectively stopped public discussions about XRP. Between 2018 and 2020, while Bitcoin and Ethereum dominated headlines, Ripple maintained near-total silence. Unlike Ripple, Bitcoin advocates like Michael Saylor could openly market their coins, and Ethereum received visible backing from SEC official Bill Hinman.
Ripple’s Innovation, Stifled by Legal Concerns
Ripple’s caution wasn’t just about PR. Any marketing of XRP—even features developed before the lawsuit—risked reinforcing the SEC’s claims that the token was an unregistered security. Morgan emphasized that even indirect promotion, such as through acquisitions or the RLUSD stablecoin, was all Ripple could safely attempt.
Not all observers see the lawsuit entirely as a setback. Wietse Wind, an XRPL developer behind Hooks and Xahau, argued that the chain’s timing challenges predated the SEC case. “While the lawsuit may have hurt business and chain deployment opportunities, I think what Ripple/XRPL gained is brand awareness,” he noted.
Regulatory Clarity Could Open New Doors
The introduction of the Clarity Act could be a game-changer. If the provision passes, XRP would gain legal recognition that Ripple could never achieve through court battles. The token would no longer be classified under securities law, potentially unlocking years of blocked marketing and adoption opportunities.
For Ripple, this represents more than legal relief. It is a chance to actively promote XRP, expand its ecosystem, and finally compete on equal footing with Bitcoin and Ethereum. The industry could witness a major shift in XRP adoption and visibility if regulatory clarity is secured.
Also Read: XRP Price Prediction 2026–2030: Could Ripple Surge to $26.50?
After years of silence and strategic caution, Ripple’s XRP may finally emerge from the shadows. The combination of potential legal certainty and new promotional opportunities could mark a turning point for the company and its token, setting the stage for broader adoption and renewed market attention.
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. CoinBrief.io is not responsible for any financial losses.
