After more than four years of legal battles, Ripple has finally secured a decisive victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has officially dropped its appeal, bringing an end to one of the most closely watched cases in the cryptocurrency industry. The news sent XRP soaring nearly 14% in just hours, with investors celebrating what could be a game-changing moment for the token’s future.
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The End of a Four-Year War
Ripple’s clash with the SEC began in December 2020, when the regulator accused the company of selling XRP as an unregistered security. The lawsuit cast a long shadow over XRP, causing delistings from major exchanges and creating uncertainty for investors. For years, Ripple fought back, arguing that XRP should not be classified as a security, and in 2023, it secured a partial win when a federal judge ruled that XRP sales on exchanges did not violate securities laws.
Now, with the SEC dropping its appeal, that ruling stands. Ripple will pay a $125 million fine – far less than the billions the SEC originally sough – but more importantly, it has emerged from the battle without the crippling restrictions that could have come with a harsher ruling. CEO Brad Garlinghouse declared a victory, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
XRP’s Explosive Reaction
The market wasted no time responding. XRP surged to $2.55 within hours of the announcement, marking a 14% daily gain and an 18% increase over the past week. Trading volume skyrocketed by 142%, as investors piled in, relieved that the uncertainty hanging over XRP was finally gone.
More than just a price boost, this moment signals a new chapter for Ripple. With the legal battle over, XRP can now move forward without fear of regulatory interference. This could open doors to new exchange listings, institutional adoption, and broader use in cross-border payments – something Ripple has been building towards for years.
A Turning Point for Crypto Regulation?
Ripple’s victory isn’t just a win for XRP—it sets a major precedent for how cryptocurrencies will be regulated in the U.S. The SEC’s aggressive stance has long been a roadblock for the industry, with numerous lawsuits targeting crypto companies. However, since Donald Trump took office, the SEC has been dropping many of these cases, fueling speculation that Ripple’s lawsuit could follow. Today, that speculation became reality, confirming a clear shift in regulatory approach.
This sets the stage for a more balanced regulatory framework, reducing uncertainty for the broader crypto industry. With XRP now firmly established as not a security, other digital assets in the same category can move forward with greater confidence.
What’s Next for Ripple and XRP?
With this major hurdle cleared, all eyes are now on Ripple’s next moves. The company has already been expanding its financial services, recently filing trademarks for “Ripple Custody”, signaling potential new products in the crypto custody space. Without legal uncertainty holding it back, Ripple may finally be able to unlock its full potential in the global payments market.
For XRP holders, this moment is more than just a short-term price pump – it’s the removal of the biggest obstacle the token has faced in years. Whether this momentum will push XRP to new highs remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ripple has won. And in the world of crypto, that changes everything.
