🎯 The closure of a historic case that marked a turning point in the crypto ecosystem.
After more than four years of litigation, Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have decided to withdraw their respective appeals, officially ending the Ripple vs. SEC case, one of the most emblematic —and controversial— in the cryptocurrency industry.
In the words of attorney James K. Filan, known for following the case:
“This decision represents not only a victory for Ripple but a precedent that redefines the SEC's approach to digital assets.”
⚖️ What was Ripple accused of and why did it matter so much?
The SEC accused Ripple in December 2020 of selling XRP as an unregistered security, which caused paralysis on several platforms that chose to suspend the token's trading. However, Judge Analisa Torres ruled in 2023 that XRP is not a security in sales to retail users, weakening the regulator's stance.
🧩 The quiet agreement: surrender or strategy?
The decision not to continue with the appeal has been interpreted by experts like John Deaton —legal advocate for the XRP community— as a tactical withdrawal by the SEC in an increasingly unfavorable judicial environment.
Deaton noted on X (formerly Twitter):
“This is not just a victory for Ripple. It is a clear signal that the SEC must rethink its crusade against crypto.”
🚀 XRP and Ripple: what comes next?
With this resolution, Ripple can move forward with greater legal certainty, boost its institutional partnerships, and project its global financial infrastructure without the stigma of an ongoing lawsuit. For many analysts, such as Brad Garlinghouse —CEO of Ripple— this opens the door to a possible IPO and to the mass adoption of the token as a global financial liquidity provider.
📉 And the SEC? Does it retreat or regroup?
This outcome leaves the SEC in an uncomfortable position. Its credibility as an impartial regulator has been questioned. Experts like Hester Peirce, SEC commissioner, have reiterated the need for clear and pro-innovation regulation, instead of the strategy of 'regulating through lawsuits.'
