SEC and Ripple Pause XRP Case as Settlement Nears, Price Rises

SEC and Ripple Pause XRP Appeals Amid Signs of Potential Settlement

In a significant turn of events in one of the most closely watched legal battles in the cryptocurrency space, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and blockchain company Ripple Labs have jointly agreed to pause their pending appeals, fueling speculation that a settlement may be within reach.

Joint Legal Filing Signals Efforts Toward Resolution

On 10 April 2025, both parties submitted a joint motion to the court requesting that the appeals process be placed in abeyance—a legal term that refers to the temporary suspension of proceedings. The move, which was confirmed through official court documents, suggests that the SEC and Ripple are actively pursuing an out-of-court resolution after more than three years of legal wrangling.

"The abeyance would save judicial and party resources while the parties continue to seek a negotiated resolution of this matter," the motion stated, highlighting a shift in tone from confrontation to cooperation.

Ripple CEO’s Earlier Remarks Gain Credibility

The latest development lends weight to earlier remarks made by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, who on 19 March had suggested that the long-running case was nearing its end. His statement, initially viewed with cautious optimism, now appears prescient in light of the joint suspension motion and the ongoing backchannel discussions between both sides.

Observers believe the decision to halt appeals reflects a meaningful change in the dynamics of the case, particularly as it coincides with impending changes at the helm of the SEC.

Delayed Legal Response Reinforces Settlement Speculation

Further signs of progress toward a resolution emerged when Ripple’s legal team confirmed that they would not be filing a response to the SEC’s most recent brief. Attorney James Filan, a well-known commentator on the case, stated via social media that the 16 April deadline for the filing had been officially withdrawn.

"The settlement is pending commission approval. No brief will be filed on April 16," Filan wrote, citing inside sources. Legal analysts interpret this as a strong indication that the SEC is preparing to step back from the legal battle, contingent on internal approval from its leadership.

Leadership Change at the SEC Could Prove Decisive

Adding further intrigue to the case is the upcoming leadership change at the SEC. Paul Atkins, a former commissioner who has been nominated to succeed current SEC Chair Gary Gensler, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on 9 April. While the official swearing-in has not yet occurred, historical precedent suggests it could happen within days.

Gensler, for instance, assumed his duties three days after confirmation in 2021. Should Atkins follow a similar timeline, he could be installed as early as 12 April. His appointment has been met with cautious optimism from within the crypto sector, as Atkins is perceived to be more industry-friendly than his predecessor, who frequently expressed concerns over unregulated digital assets.

Broader Implications for XRP and Crypto Regulation

The case, which began in December 2020, has had far-reaching implications for the cryptocurrency market. At its heart lies the question of whether XRP, Ripple’s native digital asset, should be classified as a security under U.S. law. A definitive ruling—or a negotiated settlement—could establish precedent for how other cryptocurrencies are regulated in the United States moving forward.

With the case potentially approaching resolution, market watchers expect a renewed wave of investor confidence in XRP and other blockchain-based assets that have faced legal uncertainty in recent years.

Market Reaction: XRP Shows Modest Gains Amid Optimism

Following the news of the appeal suspension, XRP experienced a slight uptick in market performance. As of publication, the cryptocurrency is trading at $2.01, representing a 0.84% increase in the past 24 hours. The current market capitalisation of XRP stands at approximately $117.46 billion.

However, the trading volume has dropped by 45.95%, which analysts attribute to traders shifting focus away from speculative activity and toward the outcome of the legal proceedings. If a settlement is confirmed and regulatory clarity follows, XRP’s value could surge further as market participants reposition their expectations.

Conclusion: A Potential End in Sight

The suspension of appeals and the backdrop of leadership transition at the SEC are being widely interpreted as signs that a resolution is on the horizon. For Ripple, its investors, and the broader crypto industry, the end of the lawsuit could mark a defining moment.

While no final agreement has yet been disclosed, the developments suggest that both sides are preparing to close the chapter on a case that has come to symbolise the tensions between innovation in the crypto space and the traditional regulatory framework.

As developments continue to unfold, all eyes remain on the SEC and Ripple—two players whose decisions may reshape the future of digital asset regulation in the United States.

Source: CoinDCX

Writer @Ellena

Ellena is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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