SEC Throws in the Towel: Ripple’s $75 Million XRP Settlement Marks End of Crypto Legal Saga

After years of regulatory wrangling, the SEC finally capitulates—returning $75 million to Ripple in a de facto admission that chasing crypto innovation with 20th-century rulebooks was always a losing bet.

The payout closes a contentious chapter for XRP, but the real victory? Watching regulators fumble their crackdown while the industry kept building. Classic government efficiency—spend millions litigating only to refund it later.

Ripple Vs. SEC is Officially Over 

This marks the official end of one of the most prolonged legal disputes in the crypto sector. The case, filed during Gary Gensler’s tenure at the SEC, has been closely watched across the digital asset industry.

Ripple, which has maintained financial stability throughout the legal proceedings, appears well-positioned to accelerate its growth. 

The resolution comes at a time when the company is benefiting from a regulatory environment that has shifted under President Trump’s administration.

Next Steps: Judge Torres needs to provide an indicative ruling as to whether the Court would: (1) dissolve the injunction and release the escrow with $50 million going to the SEC and the balance back to Ripple; (2) if Judge Torres provides the indicative ruling, the SEC and…

Last month, Ripple acquired prime brokerage firm Hidden Road for a record $1.2 billion. The firm was also in talks with Circle, the issuer of USDC, regarding a possible $5 billion acquisition. 

According to reports, that offer was declined. With the lawsuit closed and a large portion of the penalty returned, Ripple is likely to intensify its acquisition strategy in the US and abroad.

The legal resolution may also impact XRP’s regulatory standing. The case helped solidify the view that XRP functions as a commodity, not a security. That clarification could pave the way for the approval of an XRP ETF.

Prediction markets currently place the odds of an XRP ETF being approved by the end of July at 39%, though that may shift following the settlement.

XRP’s price climbed nearly 10% today, though analysts believe much of the news was already priced in, as the terms of the settlement were publicly anticipated weeks ago.

Ripple’s relationship with US regulators also appears to be improving. Despite speculation earlier today suggesting President TRUMP was misled into endorsing XRP as part of the national crypto reserve, Ripple’s lobbying ties to the administration are well documented. 

The company has actively engaged with policymakers and is now seeing the benefits of that strategy.