Coinbase Derivatives has officially filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to self-certify XRP futures. Set to launch on April 21, 2025, these futures contracts offer investors a regulated, capital-efficient way to trade XRP, one of the most liquid digital assets in the market.
This development comes amid the ongoing legal battle between Ripple, the company behind XRP, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The dispute has been a key point of contention for years, with the SEC initially classifying XRP as a security—a decision that set off a wave of uncertainty. Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton has recently revisited key moments in the legal saga, highlighting how the asset has faced fluctuating regulatory views.
Key Milestones in XRP’s Legal Journey
- January 2019: Before listing XRP, Coinbase met with the SEC to ensure the asset was not classified as a security. This consultation was vital in confirming XRP’s regulatory compliance.
- February 2019: Following the meeting, Coinbase officially listed the coin, promoting it alongside USDC as a tool for international money transfers.
- December 2020: The SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple, claiming XRP was a security. This move contradicted prior analyses, including from Coinbase’s legal team.
- July 2023: A major victory for Ripple occurred when Judge Analisa Torres ruled that XRP is not a security, leading to the re-listing of XRP on Coinbase and other platforms.
Deaton pointed out the irony of how much time and resources were consumed in the legal battle, which could have been avoided with clearer regulations. He emphasized that the SEC’s earlier analysis did not classify the coin as a security, a fact that reinforces the ongoing confusion in the regulatory landscape.
Let’s do an XRP/Coinbase recap:
— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) April 4, 2025
In January 2019, the @coinbase team went to the @SECGov and informed the SEC that Coinbase had run XRP through its digital asset Framework and determined XRP NOT a security. The Coinbase team was made up of some of the most experienced securities… https://t.co/cZteJy17uw pic.twitter.com/qFmHbPQNBH
Despite this past turmoil, Coinbase’s new the coin futures launch signals renewed confidence in the asset’s future, underlining its growing acceptance in the financial markets. As regulatory clarity continues to evolve, XRP futures could pave the way for more widespread institutional participation in the cryptocurrency space.
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.
Also Read: XRP Lawsuit Takes Twist: Mysterious Filing Could Impact Ripple vs SEC Case
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.
