14.06.2025 15:25

After a four-year legal battle, Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have jointly moved to end their contentious XRP case. This significant development signals a potential resolution to a protracted dispute that has significantly impacted the cryptocurrency market. The joint motion aims to expedite the process, avoiding further appeals and concluding the litigation swiftly.

The proposed settlement involves the release of $125 million held in Ripple's escrow account. Of this sum, $50 million is earmarked as a civil penalty payable to the SEC, while the remaining $75 million will be returned to Ripple. Both parties acknowledge the considerable time and resources saved by this agreement, bringing an end to a drawn-out legal conflict.

Prominent XRP advocate, John E. Deaton, expressed optimism regarding the judge's approval of the motion, estimating a 70% chance of success. He further emphasized his lack of expectation for praise from either party involved. Instead, Deaton called for the SEC to acknowledge its past aggressive tactics against the crypto industry, referencing Judge Sarah Netburn's previous comments about the SEC's legal approach and highlighting sanctions imposed on SEC lawyers in a recent "Debt Box" case. He also suggested that advancements in crypto regulation, such as potential clarifications and the Genius Acts, might have influenced the SEC's decision.

However, not all perspectives are entirely positive. Marc Fagel, a former SEC employee, voiced concerns regarding the SEC's rationale in the court filing, highlighting a lingering unease about the underlying reasons for the abrupt shift in the agency's stance. His skepticism reflects a broader debate surrounding the SEC’s regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies and the implications of this settlement for future cases.