In a significant turn of events for the cryptocurrency market, the long-standing legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reportedly come to an end. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced today that the company is considering settling the lawsuit with a payment to the SEC potentially involving XRP tokens. This development coincides with Garlinghouse expressing a bullish outlook on Bitcoin, predicting that the leading cryptocurrency could reach $200,000 in the near future.
The lawsuit, initiated by the SEC in late 2020, alleged that Ripple's sales of XRP constituted unregistered securities offerings. The case has been a major point of contention in the crypto industry, with many viewing its outcome as potentially setting a precedent for how digital assets are regulated in the United States.
Speaking in an interview on April 11, 2025, Garlinghouse revealed that Ripple is open to settling the legal dispute with the SEC, suggesting a settlement figure around $50 million. Notably, he mentioned the possibility of the U.S. government receiving compensation in the form of XRP tokens. Garlinghouse emphasized that this potential deal reflects a significant shift in the regulator's approach towards the blockchain industry, especially under the new leadership at the SEC and the White House, which he described as creating "tailwinds" for the crypto space instead of previous "headwinds."
"At the end of the day, this is a major step forward," Garlinghouse stated, highlighting that Ripple would retain the majority of the $125 million initially set aside in escrow for potential penalties. The settlement is reportedly awaiting final approval from the SEC commissioners.
This development signals a potentially more conducive regulatory environment for cryptocurrency companies in the U.S. The willingness of the SEC to consider a settlement involving XRP marks a notable change in tone, as the agency had previously questioned XRP's status. Legal experts believe that the resolution of this high-profile case could provide much-needed clarity for the industry and pave the way for further innovation and institutional adoption.
Garlinghouse's Bullish Bitcoin Prediction
Amidst the news of the potential settlement, Garlinghouse also shared his optimistic view on the future of Bitcoin. While refraining from making price predictions for XRP due to his direct involvement with Ripple, he confidently stated that Bitcoin reaching $200,000 is "not unreasonable."
Referencing Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson's higher prediction of $250,000 for Bitcoin, Garlinghouse argued that the market is currently underestimating the significance of the shifting regulatory landscape in the U.S. He believes that the transition from a hostile stance to a more supportive one by the U.S. government will be a key driver for Bitcoin's price surge.
"I think people underestimate how the largest economy in the world—the United States—went from headwinds, hostility to tailwinds, and I think people are still not fully quantifying how significant that is," Garlinghouse explained.
His prediction aligns with a growing sentiment within the crypto community that increased institutional adoption, coupled with clearer and more favorable regulations, will propel the price of Bitcoin to new heights.
Implications for XRP and the Broader Market
The resolution of the XRP lawsuit could have significant implications for the price and adoption of XRP. Ending the regulatory uncertainty that has loomed over the token for years could attract renewed institutional interest and investment. Some analysts speculate that this could also open the door for the potential launch of XRP Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in the U.S., further driving demand.
The positive developments surrounding the lawsuit and the bullish outlook for Bitcoin have injected a sense of optimism into the broader cryptocurrency market. Investors are closely watching for the final approval of the settlement and its subsequent impact on XRP and other digital assets.
While Garlinghouse did not provide a specific timeline for his Bitcoin price prediction, his comments suggest a belief that the $200,000 mark could be reached in the near to medium term, driven by the evolving regulatory environment and increasing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies.
Note: This article is based on currently available information and reports. The finalization of the settlement between Ripple and the SEC is still pending. Cryptocurrency investments are subject to high market risk and volatility. Investors should conduct their own thorough research before making any investment decisions.
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