In a recent appearance on FOX Business’ Claman Countdown, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse revealed a surprising development in the company’s ongoing legal saga with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Ripple might settle its newly reduced $50 million fine in XRP.
This update follows a 2024 ruling by Judge Analisa Torres, who ordered Ripple to pay $125 million for unregistered sales of XRP to institutional investors. Ripple deposited the full amount into an interest-bearing account, pending appeals from both sides.
However, in a notable policy shift, the SEC has moved to dismiss the bulk of its crypto-related enforcement actions. As part of a broader resolution, the regulator agreed to drop its appeal if Ripple abandons its cross-appeal. This mutual agreement would reduce the original fine to $50 million and eliminate a potential permanent injunction against Ripple.
What caught industry watchers off guard was Garlinghouse’s mention that Ripple proposed paying the fine in XRP rather than USD. At current prices—$2.03 per XRP—the amount would translate to roughly 24.63 million XRP tokens. Although Garlinghouse didn’t confirm whether the SEC has approved this, the final decision now rests with the commission’s internal vote.
The potential XRP settlement has sparked speculation over whether these tokens would join the U.S. government’s digital asset stockpile. In March, former President Trump authorized the creation of a crypto reserve, which would include altcoins obtained through civil and criminal forfeitures—without burdening taxpayers.
Also Read: XRP Price Forecast: 8x Rally Could Be Only the Beginning, Says Analyst
Currently, the government holds over $16 billion in digital assets like BTC, ETH, USDT, and BNB—but no XRP. If the SEC accepts Ripple’s proposal, XRP could soon find its place in this growing reserve.
As the SEC commissioners prepare for their vote, the crypto world watches closely. Will XRP officially join the U.S. digital war chest? The decision could set a new precedent for crypto settlements and regulatory asset management.
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I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
