The legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to evolve. Recently, Ripple received a court ruling that ordered it to pay a $125 million penalty for selling XRP without proper registration. This penalty is significantly lower than the SEC’s initial demand of nearly $2 billion. Many in the crypto industry view this as a major win for Ripple.
Court Ruling and Ripple’s Response
On July 13, 2023, Judge Analisa Torres ruled that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors on exchanges. However, the court classified XRP as a security when sold to institutional investors. Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, expressed respect for the court’s decision. Additionally, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, confirmed that the company plans to pay the penalty directly from its balance sheet.
Speculation About Settlement
As the case approaches its conclusion, speculation has arisen within the XRP community regarding a potential settlement. Some community members believe Ripple may settle with the SEC as soon as this week. Notably, one user claimed that Ripple had already paid the fine. However, both Ripple and the SEC have not confirmed these claims, leaving room for uncertainty.
SEC’s Appeal Possibilities
Despite the recent developments, the SEC retains the right to appeal the ruling until early October. Legal experts have revised their expectations regarding the likelihood of an SEC appeal. Initially, pro-XRP lawyer Bill Morgan estimated an 80% chance of an appeal. However, he has since reduced that estimate to between 45-50%.
XRP Price Performance
XRP’s price has not benefited significantly from the recent court ruling. Currently, the token trades around $0.55, reflecting a broader decline in the cryptocurrency market. Historically, XRP’s price has experienced volatility following official announcements related to the lawsuit. For instance, the price surged by 70% after Ripple’s first partial victory.
In conclusion, the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit remains a focal point in the cryptocurrency industry. As both parties navigate the legal landscape, the potential for a settlement and the SEC’s appeal options continue to generate interest. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States.
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