The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently paused its legal proceedings against Binance and Coinbase, sparking speculation on whether Ripple could be next. The uncertainty intensified following the reassignment of the SEC’s lead litigator for major cryptocurrency cases to the agency’s IT department, raising questions about the regulator’s priorities.
Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett weighed in on the matter, stating via social media, “On the @SECGov pausing ongoing litigation against #crypto firms — I’m told by multiple legal sources that the SEC has been prioritizing cases with imminent court deadlines, which is one explanation for why we haven’t seen pause requests in the @Ripple and @krakenfx cases.”
🚨NEW: On the @SECGov pausing ongoing litigation against #crypto firms — I’m told by multiple legal sources that the SEC has been prioritizing cases with imminent court deadlines, which is one explanation for why we haven’t seen pause requests in the @Ripple and @krakenfx cases.…
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 19, 2025
SEC Delays and Legal Prioritization
The SEC has officially postponed the Binance case until April 14 and Lejilex’s case until April 11, while its response to Coinbase’s request for an interlocutory appeal has been extended until March 14. These delays coincide with a broader shift within the SEC, particularly in its handling of crypto-related enforcement.
Leadership Changes and Their Impact on Crypto Regulation
A major factor influencing the SEC’s litigation strategy is the expected confirmation of Paul Atkins as the new SEC chair, nominated by former President Donald Trump. Atkins, known for his pro-business stance, could usher in a more measured regulatory approach toward cryptocurrency firms. Legal analysts suggest that pending cases, including Ripple’s, might see changes in strategy as the SEC recalibrates its enforcement priorities.
Regulatory Efforts to Address Crypto Legal Gaps
Meanwhile, the SEC’s crypto task force, in collaboration with Congress and the Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets, is working to fill regulatory gaps that have fueled multiple lawsuits. As these regulatory bodies assess the evolving digital asset landscape, industry observers remain keen on how the SEC’s shifting stance could impact its case against Ripple.
Also Read: Litecoin Eyes $5,000 Breakout as SEC Advances Spot ETF Approval
With Ripple’s next court deadline approaching in mid-April, the possibility of a pause remains uncertain. However, with SEC leadership changes underway and regulatory strategies evolving, the agency may reconsider its approach before making its next move.
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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