The long-standing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is at a critical juncture. With XRP supporters eager for closure, speculation is rife about whether the case is approaching a resolution—or if a change in SEC leadership is needed to bring an end to the dispute.
What’s Holding Up the Settlement?
According to journalist Eleanor Terrett, settlement discussions are ongoing, but key issues remain unresolved. Ripple’s legal team is pushing back against the SEC’s demands, particularly the hefty $125 million fine and an injunction barring the company from selling XRP to institutional investors. Ripple argues that if regulatory shifts are prompting the SEC to reconsider enforcement actions against other crypto firms, the same should apply to them.
🚨SCOOP: Two well-placed sources tell me that the @SECGov vs. @Ripple case is in the process of wrapping up and could be over soon.
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) March 12, 2025
My understanding is that the delay in reaching an agreement is due to Ripple's legal team negotiating more favorable terms regarding the August…
A major concern is that agreeing to the SEC’s terms could imply guilt—something Ripple is keen to avoid. Interestingly, even the SEC appears uncertain about the strength of its own case, given the absence of clear regulatory guidelines.
Jeremy Hogan’s Perspective
Attorney Jeremy Hogan suggests that if a settlement is indeed imminent, it likely involves a confidential agreement between Ripple and the SEC. This could mean both parties agreeing to drop appeals while keeping the specifics off the official court record.
Something in Eleanor's post caught my attention:
— Jeremy Hogan (@attorneyjeremy1) March 13, 2025
"…case is in the process of wrapping up and could be over soon."
The only way the case could "be over" soon is if Ripple and the SEC reach a private settlement agreement (which would vary from the judgment), dismiss the appeal,… https://t.co/miqCWYI3AX
However, Hogan points out that the injunction against Ripple’s institutional XRP sales remains a roadblock. While the SEC may not outright disregard a court ruling, it could offer Ripple a legal pathway to continue institutional sales—perhaps through proper registration.
Is Ripple Negotiating a Better Deal?
Legal analyst MetaLawMan presents another theory: the delay may not be due to the SEC but rather Ripple itself. Ripple might be seeking to overturn Judge Torres’s ruling on securities violations and the related injunction. If the company has ambitions for an IPO or future securities offerings, clearing these legal hurdles would be essential.
The SEC, meanwhile, might be willing to settle swiftly by accepting the $125 million fine and closing the case. But if Ripple is pushing for more favorable terms, this could be prolonging negotiations.
Also Read: Ripple vs. SEC Lawsuit: How the Verdict Could Impact XRP’s Future and Crypto ETF Approvals
All signs indicate a settlement could be reached within weeks. The key question remains: will Ripple secure a deal that sets a strong precedent for the crypto industry, or will it have to abide by the court’s existing decision? Whatever the outcome, the case’s resolution will have significant implications for the broader regulatory landscape.
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.
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