13.06.2025 08:56

A significant development has emerged in the protracted legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A joint proposal for a $125 million settlement has been submitted to a Manhattan federal court, potentially bringing an end to one of the cryptocurrency industry's most enduring legal disputes. This proposal, detailed in a June 12th court filing and subsequently shared on X by Eleanor Terrett, host of "Crypto in America," suggests a division of the escrowed funds.

The SEC would receive $50 million, while Ripple would recoup the remaining $75 million. This settlement, if approved, would also lead to the dissolution of a previously imposed injunction, freeing the impounded funds. This collaborative move marks a considerable shift in the ongoing legal proceedings.

This proposed settlement comes after years of complex litigation. The SEC's 2020 lawsuit against Ripple Labs alleged the unlawful sale of XRP as unregistered securities, specifically focusing on institutional sales. A federal judge's July 2023 ruling found Ripple's programmatic XRP sales compliant with securities laws but deemed its institutional sales unlawful. Consequently, a $125 million penalty was levied in August 2024, placed in escrow pending Ripple's appeal.

Following a temporary pause in their respective appeals in April 2025 to explore a potential resolution, an initial settlement attempt failed in May 2025 due to the court's determination that the necessary "exceptional circumstances" were not met. However, the June 12th filing represents a renewed push, convincingly presenting these required conditions to the court. This recent legal maneuver comes amidst ongoing adjustments by the SEC...