Ripple Labs has taken a decisive step to end its prolonged legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signaling a new beginning for both Ripple and XRP.
By voluntarily dropping its cross-appeal, Ripple has accepted the $125 million civil penalty and agreed to uphold the permanent injunction. This strategic shift allows the company to move past the courtroom and focus on innovation.
While the legal saga began in December 2020 with allegations that Ripple raised $1.3 billion through unregistered XRP sales, the company’s latest move underscores a desire to avoid further litigation and uncertainty. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse described the moment as “closing this chapter once and for all,” marking a pivotal turning point for the Ripple ecosystem.
Ripple and XRP Legally Unlinked
For added emphasis, crypto commentator Scott Melker recently highlighted an insightful point made by CoinRoutes CEO Dave Weisberger: the pending lawsuit has no immediate legal effect on XRP itself. Weisberger’s assertion that XRP is no longer legally tied to Ripple’s actions is a key differentiation for investors and represents a new front of autonomy for the XRP coin.
There is no direct legal connection between Ripple Labs’ remaining lawsuit with the SEC and the XRP token. Source: @scottmelker via X
This disconnect, highlighted by sentiment within the industry, highlights growing optimism that XRP’s price and adoption will no longer be weighed down by the regulatory woes of Ripple. It also underlies broader optimism regarding XRP crypto news and upcoming ETF approval.
SEC Still Expected to Drop Appeal
While Ripple has withdrawn its appeal, the SEC has yet to make its next move. A formal vote by the Commission is required to dismiss its appeal, which may take place in a closed-door session. Market watchers believe the SEC will follow Ripple’s lead to close out this high-profile case, especially as pressure mounts on the regulator to modernize its crypto-regulation framework.
Bloomberg’s James Seyffart estimates a 95% chance of a spot XRP ETF approval in 2025, as Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlights growing institutional recognition amid waning SEC pressures. Source: John Squire via X
When the SEC finally drops its pursuit, it could remove a long-standing cloud from the crypto market and accelerate further momentum for instruments like XRP. Legal experts contend it could influence the broader environment, especially for other digital assets in a similar position.
Market Reacts Cautiously but Positively
The XRP price saw modest gains following the announcement, with traders welcoming the move as a step toward long-term stability. Although the XRP lawsuit has largely been resolved in terms of XRP’s classification, the removal of any lingering legal friction adds clarity that investors have been craving.
XRP was trading at around $2.20, up 1.34% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source: XRP Liquid Index (XRPLX) via Brave New Coin
As of today, XRP is trading around $2.24, with analysts predicting a potential test of higher resistance zones if broader sentiment remains positive. Some believe the developments could influence xrp price prediction 2025, especially if institutional interest picks up following the resolution.
Looking Ahead: From Courtrooms to Innovation
With its legal issues nearly behind it, Ripple is now turning full attention to its mission of building the “Internet of Value.” This vision centers on enabling global, real-time value transfers using Ripple’s blockchain infrastructure and XRP ledger.
29% of XRP Ledger nodes now run version 2.5.0, introducing key features like transaction batching, issued token escrow, and multiple codebase enhancements. Source: Vet via X
The company has already made significant strides, including enhancing XRP ledger compatibility with Ethereum-based applications and driving adoption through cross-border payment partnerships. Ripple’s ability to now operate without legal distractions is expected to accelerate these efforts.
Wider Impact on the Crypto Industry
The Ripple vs SEC case has been a trendsetter for quite some time regarding how regulators in the U.S. view crypto. Its outcome affects Ripple and XRP, but more significantly, it sends a message to other projects that end up in similar legal waters. The outcome will affect ripple xrp price prediction models as well as regulatory strategies across the crypto landscape.
As David Schwartz, Ripple’s CTO, recently stated, “We’re entering a phase where clarity and utility will drive growth, not speculation.” With XRP legally untethered and Ripple freed from legal limbo, that phase may have just begun.
Moving Forward: A Fresh Start for Ripple and XRP
Ripple’s decision to drop its cross-appeal is more than a strategic decision—it’s a statement of readiness to move on and lead the way. For XRP holders, this may be the go-ahead that many have been waiting for. As the XRP news today shows, Ripple is no longer mired in courtroom drama, and XRP will pen its next chapter—a chapter of advancement, innovation, and a clearer path forward under the regulators.
Since XRP crypto price prediction scene shifts, and Ripple doubles down on expansion, everybody now wants to know what is next in this ongoing saga.
Source: https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/ripple-news-today-ripple-officially-distances-from-sec-drama-as-xrp-prepares-for-new-chapter