The long pending Ripple vs SEC lawsuit is back in the news with renewed talk of a settlement or dismissal. Legal experts and pro-XRP attorney James Murphy, aka MetaLawMan, believe the SEC’s softer stance on cryptocurrency cases lately, especially the decision not to oppose Coinbase’s motion for an interlocutory appeal, might be a sign of change.
With Donald Trump reportedly more crypto-friendly, industry insiders wonder if a change in leadership could impact Ripple’s three-plus-year fight.
SEC’s Shift in Crypto Enforcement Gives Hope to Ripple
According to news sources, the SEC’s move in the Coinbase lawsuit has raised eyebrows on Ripple. Under the previous Chair, Gary Gensler, the SEC had been aggressive on crypto enforcement, saying digital assets like XRP are unregistered securities.
However, he noted that the SEC not contesting Coinbase’s appeal in its lawsuit may be a sign of at least a partial softening of the agency’s stance, and if so, then that “could mean a reevaluation of its position in the Ripple case.”
| Case | Recent SEC Action | Implications for Ripple |
| Coinbase vs. SEC | SEC did not oppose Coinbase’s appeal request | Possible policy shift in crypto regulation |
| Ripple vs. SEC | Case still active, but rumored settlement talks | Ripple could benefit from leadership changes |
Speculation of a win for the company has also been fueled by the meeting between Trump and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse before his inauguration and some significant political donations allegedly made by Ripple to pro-crypto candidates.
Could New SEC Leadership Influence Case Outcome?
One of the factors that will determine the future of the Ripple lawsuit is the SEC leadership transition. With no Senate-confirmed chair yet, Murphy thinks the new Trump-nominated head of the SEC, expected to join in March or April, may change the SEC’s approach to crypto cases.
Possible candidates:-
Paul Atkins – Former commissioner at the SEC and more conciliatory than Gensler.
Hester Peirce & Mark Uyeda – Commissioners who are still serving and have crypto-friendly views that could impact active cases.
It will take a few months for a new chair to make changes in policy, but a change in leadership could open the door to a settlement or dismissal.
Will the SEC Start Dropping Crypto Cases?
Murphy said this might mean the SEC would rethink all crypto cases, including Ripple’s. It could mean the SEC will settle rather than fight a long case.
But many are still skeptical and here’s why:
- An acting chair is unlikely to drop a high-profile case like Ripple’s.
- The case is still open, while Ripple’s appeal brief is due April 16, 2025.
- The final decision by the SEC will depend on their new leadership.
On these lines of uncertainty, some predict the Ripple vs SEC case would be over by April or May when leadership transitions.
What’s Next for the Ripple vs SEC Lawsuit?
Rumors the SEC removed the Ripple lawsuit from their website surfaced recently and speculate a settlement is imminent. However, legal expert Sherrie explained it was just a case number update and not a withdrawal.
Ripple’s appeal brief is due April 16, and attorney Jeremy Hogan thinks the SEC might drop the case between April and May, depending on the agency’s leadership structure at that time.
For now, the Ripple vs SEC battle continues and all eyes are on April.
Wrapping Up
With a pro-crypto administration, new SEC leadership and increasing regulatory uncertainty, the Ripple vs SEC case is one to watch for in the crypto space. This could benefit Ripple if the Trump administration really pushes for crypto-friendly regulations. The case is still pending until the new SEC chair is confirmed, with speculations on whether a settlement or dismissal is coming.
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FAQ
1. Why is the SEC changing its approach to crypto cases?
The SEC has softened its crypto enforcement lately, starting with not opposing Coinbase’s appeal. That means new leadership and politics are at play in their regulatory position.
2. How does Trump’s administration impact Ripple vs SEC s case?
Trump’s administration is pro-crypto with crypto friendly appointments and push for clarity. That could mean a less aggressive SEC approach to cases like Ripple’s.
3. Will the Ripple case be dismissed or settled soon?
Experts including MetaLawMan and Jeremy Hogan think this case will reach an inflection point April to May 2025 if new leadership within the SEC settles or drops the lawsuit.
4. What if the SEC appoints a crypto friendly chair?
If the new commission chair is crypto-friendly, that means re-evaluating pending cases and hopefully more settlements or relaxed enforcement actions.
5. What’s the crypto industry’s response to the Ripple vs SEC lawsuit?
The crypto industry is in full support of Ripple; many are asking for clearer regulations and less aggressive enforcement actions. This case is a landmark decision that will shape future crypto regulations.
Glossary
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission): US regulatory agency that enforces securities laws including crypto regulations.
XRP (Ripple’s Native Cryptocurrency): Digital asset for cross-border payments developed by Ripple Labs and subject of the SEC lawsuit.
Interlocutory Appeal: Request to the court to review the case before the final judgment is given. Often used in complex regulatory cases.
Settlement Agreement: Legal agreement between parties not to go to full trial, often used to end long lawsuits.
Crypto-Friendly Regulation: Policy approach to support blockchain innovation while complying with financial laws.
References
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