In the context of the cryptocurrency market witnessing many policy fluctuations, a recent statement from the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – Paul Atkins – has reignited the crypto community, especially those supporting XRP and the freedom to own digital assets.
Speaking at a symposium on cryptocurrency and personal ownership, Atkins emphasized: 'The right to self-manage personal assets is a foundational value of Americans, and that should not disappear just because someone logs into the internet.'
One statement – Multiple layers of meaning
This seemingly simple statement carries a profound and powerful message. Atkins continues to assert that he supports enhancing flexibility for cryptocurrency users, especially in the current context where intermediaries are 'eating away' the value of transactions through high fees and unnecessary restrictions on staking or direct interactions on the blockchain.
This statement not only acknowledges the role of self-custody wallets but also serves as a wake-up call to the authorities – those who in the past have 'tightened' innovation by treating personal wallet developers and blockchain software like traditional financial brokers. The result is a stifling atmosphere for technological innovation, with legal barriers piling up against efforts to build a decentralized financial platform.
Ripple and the ghost of the past have not faded
Immediately, the crypto community – especially on platform X (formerly Twitter) – reacted strongly to this statement. A wave of comments erupted, revolving around the key question: 'If the SEC now recognizes the right to self-manage assets, will Ripple – the most prominent victim of that overreach – be restored fairly?'
No one forgets the lengthy legal battle between Ripple and the SEC over the issue of XRP being alleged as an unregistered security. A user directly raised the question: 'What about Ripple's right to escape the unethical control of the SEC?' – A question that exposes the contradictions in the current approach of the regulator.
However, not everyone agrees. Marc Fagel, a former SEC official, quickly countered: 'Ripple has not been unfairly targeted. They violated securities laws and accepted a $125 million fine.' He also emphasized that if Ripple disagrees with that outcome, they can fully take the case back to court.
SEC – Innovating or whitewashing?
The real question to ask right now is: Is the SEC really changing or is it just a political strategy to cope with the impending legal wave from Congress?
Although the lawsuit between the SEC and Ripple is nearing its conclusion, the 'aftershocks' of it still smolder. June 16 is the deadline for the SEC to submit a progress report to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. If all goes well, Judge Torres may issue a final ruling, lifting restrictions and officially closing a lawsuit that has dragged on for more than three years.
But the story doesn’t just stop at one lawsuit. The SEC Chairman's statement comes at a time when the US Congress is debating new cryptocurrency bills, many of which threaten the rights of self-custody of personal wallets and financial freedom on the blockchain. Atkins' statement could be a strategic counterattack, as he asserts: 'We should not automatically fear the future' – a statement that is easy to relate to, but could also be a move to maintain influence amid internal policy fractures.
Has the market trend changed?
One noteworthy point is that market sentiment is clearly leaning towards cryptocurrency, especially after signs of openness from both parties in Congress and positive signals from the federal courts.
The SEC Chairman’s public support for the freedom of digital assets is not coincidental. It is a signal that the game is changing, and traditional financial institutions, as well as regulators, can no longer ignore the power of DeFi, staking, and direct ownership.
From being seen as a 'risk', crypto is now being redefined as an essential part of financial freedom – a concept deeply ingrained in the American psyche since the founding of the nation.
The future of XRP and the trust dilemma
So what does this mean for Ripple and XRP?
If the SEC truly changes its stance, XRP could witness a strong resurgence, not only in price but also in legal status and acceptance within the global financial system. However, trust has been deeply damaged after years of confrontation, and Ripple will need more than a favorable ruling to regain investor confidence.
In the long run, the SEC Chairman's statement is not only a turning point for Ripple but also a sign for the entire industry. If the leading US regulator officially recognizes self-custody rights, it would be the strongest confirmation for the decentralized model – something the crypto community has been fighting for over a decade.
Conclusion: The comment 'Let Ripple go' is not merely a diplomatic statement. It is the spark for a larger discussion: Are citizens' digital property rights recognized by law? And if so, who will define the boundaries of that freedom – the SEC, Congress, or the people themselves?
The answer is approaching. But surely, the era of one-sided imposition is over. Crypto is speaking out – more powerfully and clearly than ever.