Key story highlights
Ripple ended a four-year lawsuit against the SEC (#SEC ) by paying a $125 million fine, with both parties dropping their appeals, dispelling legal uncertainty around XRP.
The value of $XRP has risen
Thanks to renewed positive expectations; the AI company predicts that its price will reach $8 amid expectations of the SEC approving ETFs (#ETFs ) and expanding partnerships.
After nearly four years, Ripple officially ended its long legal battle with the SEC by agreeing to pay a $125 million fine and dropping all ongoing appeals. The SEC is also expected to withdraw its appeal, ending one of the most prominent lawsuits in cryptocurrency history.
With this legal burden lifted, #XRP is now on an upward trajectory - both in terms of price and on Google Trends - with positive expectations returning to the market.
Ripple vs. SEC: Case Background
The legal drama began in December 2020 when the SEC accused Ripple of illegally raising $1.3 billion through unregistered XRP sales.
In July 2023, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres ruled that while $XRP is not considered a security when sold on exchanges, Ripple did violate securities laws in its institutional sales. The court imposed the following:
A $125 million fine
Permanent ban on unregistered institutional XRP sales
Both Ripple and the SEC initially filed appeals, keeping the legal uncertainty alive - until now.
The 2024 U.S. elections changed the course of events
Things turned in November 2024 when Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential elections. His pro-crypto agenda, including the nomination of Paul Atkins to replace SEC chairman Gary Gensler, heralded a new era for digital assets.
In early 2025, Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reached a potential settlement, but the judge rejected the proposed $50 million deal. Ripple then chose to accept the court's ruling instead of continuing the appeal, resulting in the case being closed permanently.
Ripple confirms a $125 million settlement
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse officially confirmed via Twitter that the company has withdrawn its joint appeal and will pay the full $125 million fine.
Garlinghouse stated: "We are turning this page and moving forward."
Reports indicate that the SEC will soon follow up by withdrawing its appeal, thereby ending the long-awaited settlement.
Today's $XRP price: increasing upward momentum
24-hour gain: +4.3%
7-day gain: +2.4%
Current price: approximately $2.19
XRP's price trended upward as traders responded positively to legal clarity. In just one hour, the price increased by 0.2%, indicating rising demand.
XRP Price Prediction: What potential high?
According to Gemini's AI-supported model forecast by Joe, the price prediction for XRP indicates the following:
Short-term target: $3.00 - $3.59
12-month potential: $5.00 - $8.00 (with key catalysts)
Developer activity on the XRP Ledger
Operational compatibility upgrades such as Wormhole integration
Analysts estimate a 95% chance for the approval of the U.S. ETF XRP now that the legal ambiguity has been resolved - which could lead to massive institutional inflows. What does this mean for XRP investors?
With legal clarity, political support, and ETF momentum, XRP is now in a better position than ever. Ripple's global partnerships and its growing utility in cross-border payments may accelerate its adoption and enhance its long-term value.
With XRP leading Google Trends, investors are asking: Is it time to buy?
Conclusion: Ripple's lawsuit against the SEC has officially ended, removing one of the biggest obstacles to XRP. With price gains, AI-based price targets, and strong prospects for a U.S. ETF issuance, all eyes are now on the next steps for XRP.