After nearly four years, Ripple has officially concluded its legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by agreeing to a $125 million settlement and dropping all appeals. The SEC is expected to follow suit, ending one of the most significant legal battles in cryptocurrency history. With this legal cloud lifted, XRP is gaining traction in both price action and search trends as market optimism rebounds.
Ripple vs. SEC: Case Background
The lawsuit began in December 2020 when the SEC alleged Ripple raised $1.3 billion through unregistered XRP sales. In July 2023, Judge Analisa Torres ruled that while XRP isn’t a security on exchanges, Ripple violated securities laws in institutional sales. The court imposed:
- A $125 million penalty
- A permanent ban on unregistered institutional XRP sales
Both parties initially appealed, prolonging uncertainty—until the 2024 U.S. elections reshaped the landscape.
How the 2024 U.S. Elections Changed Everything
November 2024 marked a turning point when Donald Trump, a vocal crypto advocate, won the presidency. His administration’s pro-crypto policies, including appointing Paul Atkins as SEC Chair, signaled a regulatory shift. By early 2025, Ripple and the SEC negotiated a settlement, though the judge rejected an initial $50 million proposal**. Ripple ultimately accepted the **$125 million penalty, closing the case permanently.
Ripple Confirms $125M Settlement
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced via X (formerly Twitter) that the company withdrew its appeal and will pay the full penalty.
"We’re closing this chapter and moving forward," Garlinghouse stated.
The SEC is expected to formally withdraw its appeal soon, finalizing the settlement.
XRP Price Today: Bullish Trends Emerge
- Current price: ~$2.19
- 24-hour gain: +4.3%
- 7-day gain: +2.4%
XRP’s price surged 0.2% in one hour post-announcement, reflecting growing demand amid renewed investor confidence.
XRP Price Prediction: Can XRP Reach $5 in 2025?
Google’s AI model Gemini projects:
- Short-term target: $3.00 – $3.59
- 12-month potential: $5.00 – $8.00 (with catalysts)
👉 Discover how XRP ETFs could unlock institutional demand
Key Catalysts for XRP’s Growth:
- Spot XRP ETF Approval (Deadline: October 2025)
- U.S. market expansion post-lawsuit
- Global banking partnerships (e.g., AEON in Southeast Asia)
- XRP Ledger developer activity
- Interoperability upgrades (e.g., Wormhole integration)
Analysts estimate a 95% chance of a U.S. XRP ETF approval, which could funnel billions into the asset.
Strategic Takeaways for XRP Investors
With legal clarity, political tailwinds, and ETF potential, XRP is poised for unprecedented growth. Its utility in cross-border payments and Ripple’s global alliances may accelerate adoption.
As XRP trends on Google, investors wonder: Is this the ideal entry point?
Final Verdict
The Ripple-SEC lawsuit’s conclusion removes a major barrier for XRP. With bullish price action, AI-driven targets, and looming ETF approvals, XRP’s trajectory is one to watch.
FAQs
Is the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit officially over?
Yes. Ripple withdrew its appeal and paid the $125 million fine; the SEC is expected to do the same, ending all litigation.
What was the final court ruling?
XRP is not a security on exchanges, but Ripple’s institutional sales violated securities laws. The penalty includes a $125 million fine and a ban on unregistered institutional sales.
How has XRP’s price reacted?
XRP rose 4.3% in 24 hours, trading at ~$2.19, signaling positive market sentiment post-settlement.
👉 Explore XRP’s latest price trends
What’s next for XRP?
Key milestones include ETF approvals, banking partnerships, and technological upgrades—all potential price catalysts.