Since launching in December 2020, the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple has faced endless speculation about when it will finally conclude. The latest claim—that the case could stretch into late 2026—has stirred debate across the XRP community, but legal experts say the scenario is highly improbable.
Unfounded Rumors Spark Community Response
The newest rumor came from an altcoin investor on X, who suggested that a final decision might not come until the end of 2026, without offering credible sources. XRP supporters quickly challenged the claim, and legal analyst Morgan responded that such a delay is “not on the cards.” He stressed that unless the court process stalls dramatically, the case should resolve much sooner.
This is not on the cards unless Judge Torres rules against the latest joint motion and rather that make the common sense decision to live with the summary judgement decision and the current penalty and permanent injunction, the settlement process breaks down completely and both… https://t.co/K6iU3OfQ4y
— bill morgan (@Belisarius2020) June 23, 2025
Judge’s Upcoming Decision Will Guide the Timeline
Central to the lawsuit’s resolution is a joint motion filed by Ripple and the SEC to reduce Ripple’s penalty from $125 million to $50 million and lift the permanent injunction. Judge Analisa Torres initially denied the motion in May due to procedural issues. However, the parties have since refiled the motion with corrected submissions.
If Judge Torres grants the motion, it will pave the way for both sides to finalize a settlement, dismiss ongoing appeals, and avoid further litigation. If she denies it again, Ripple and the SEC could either pursue new appeals or settle under the current judgment.
Also Read: Ripple vs. SEC Update: What to Expect From the Critical June 16 Court Filing
Settlement Still the Most Likely Outcome
Both Ripple and the SEC have shown a strong preference for settlement. On June 16, they jointly requested a pause on their Second Circuit appeals until August 15, 2025, signaling an intent to resolve the lawsuit without prolonging the fight.
While a worst-case scenario could theoretically extend the case, Morgan and other legal observers maintain this is highly unlikely given the parties’ cooperative stance.
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 Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
