After years of courtroom tension between Ripple and U.S. regulators, a resolution now seems within reach — and the final settlement could include a surprising twist: paying the penalty in XRP, the very token at the center of the dispute.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently revealed in an interview that using XRP to cover part of the financial penalty was discussed during the latest settlement talks. The fine, initially set at $125 million for the company’s past sales of XRP to institutional players, has now been scaled back to $50 million. The reduced amount follows both Ripple and the SEC abandoning their appeals, signaling the long-running conflict is winding down.
Behind the scenes, both sides have reportedly agreed on the broad terms of a deal. Now, they’re waiting for internal approval from the SEC commissioners before moving forward with a formal request to the district court. If the commission votes in favor, the case that’s kept the crypto industry on edge for years could finally be over.
A recent court filing described the current status as an “agreement-in-principle” and emphasized the need for additional time to finalize procedural steps. The document also acknowledged that Ripple and the SEC are aligned on closing not only the core case but also the appeals that had stalled the conclusion.
But what truly sets this moment apart is the possibility that Ripple may settle the remaining amount using XRP — a move that would mark a significant shift in how regulators view digital assets in enforcement actions. It could even set a precedent for future cases involving crypto firms.
Meanwhile, the broader market is reacting. Since the 2024 U.S. presidential election, XRP has seen a resurgence, with its price tripling in value. Market analysts credit a more crypto-friendly political climate and rising speculation that XRP may eventually be reclassified as a commodity — not a security — which would place it in a completely different regulatory category.
Institutional interest in XRP has also spiked, reflected in a growing number of ETF proposals connected to the token. If the settlement is finalized and XRP is accepted as part of the payment, it could fuel even greater confidence in the asset — and signal a turning point in how U.S. authorities engage with the crypto world.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain and fintech industries, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/xrp-could-be-part-of-ripples-sec-settlement-in-final-phase-of-talks/