Ripple withdraws its cross-appeal against the SEC, signaling the end of a long legal battle. What does this mean for XRP and the future of crypto regulation?
After nearly five years of legal wrangling, the Ripple, XRP, and SEC case is finally nearing its end. Ripple's decision to withdraw its cross-appeal marks a pivotal moment, paving the way for a new chapter focused on growth and innovation.
The End of an Era: Ripple Drops Cross-Appeal
In a move that has sent ripples (pun intended!) through the crypto community, Ripple Labs has decided to drop its cross-appeal against the SEC. This decision signals a willingness to move forward and put the legal battle behind them. CEO Brad Garlinghouse put it succinctly on X: “We’re closing this chapter once and for all.” The SEC is also expected to withdraw its own appeal, effectively ending the lawsuit.
Key Takeaways from the Ripple vs. SEC Saga
- Ripple Accepts Fine: By dropping the appeal, Ripple has accepted the $125 million fine initially imposed by the court. While significant, this is a far cry from the SEC’s original demand of $2 billion.
- Permanent Injunction Remains: Ripple will continue to operate under a permanent injunction, requiring compliance with securities laws for future institutional sales of XRP.
- XRP's Status as a Non-Security Intact: Crucially, XRP's non-security status in secondary market transactions remains unchanged. This is a major win for the crypto industry and XRP holders.
What This Means for XRP and the Crypto Market
The market has reacted positively to the news. XRP experienced a surge, climbing 4.49% as investors see the end of the legal battle as a catalyst for growth. Prominent crypto lawyer John E. Deaton tweeted succinctly: “And then it ended,” reflecting market sentiment that the lawsuit had been a cloud over XRP’s momentum for far too long.
The expiration of appeals eliminates the final barrier to XRP’s full return to institutional markets. During the litigation, a number of major exchanges had delisted or restricted XRP trading. Ripple has already begun to capitalize on its legal win.
Ripple's Future: Beyond the SEC Lawsuit
With the legal cloud lifting, Ripple is focusing on expansion. The company is making bold moves, including acquiring prime brokerage Hidden Road for $1.25 billion and launching a NYDFS-approved stablecoin. Garlinghouse indirectly credited a shift in regulatory tone under the new U.S. administration, citing the SEC’s recent backtracking on other crypto cases involving Coinbase, Uniswap, and Gemini.
RLUSD Stablecoin Growing on Ethereum
Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin is experiencing increased adoption across the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem. Data from Token Terminal shows that RLUSD's supply has surged almost fourfold since January 2025. This growth highlights the increasing demand for stablecoins in decentralized finance (DeFi) networks.
Nimanode: AI on the XRP Ledger
Nimanode (NMA), an AI agent platform built on the XRP Ledger, is gaining traction. The NMA Presale has seen massive investor interest, with 35% already filled. Nimanode aims to simplify, secure, and enhance users' Web3 experience, positioning itself as a key infrastructure provider on the XRP Ledger.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Ripple and XRP
The end of the Ripple vs. SEC case marks a significant turning point. With regulatory clarity emerging, Ripple is poised to continue its growth and innovation in the blockchain space. Whether you're an XRP enthusiast or simply following the developments in crypto regulation, it's clear that Ripple is ready to make some serious waves. So, buckle up, crypto fans – it looks like the future's so bright, you gotta wear shades!
