Ripple vs SEC Lawsuit Delay: Will XRP ETFs Take a Hit? The Latest Updates
The Ripple-SEC legal saga drags on—again. Just when markets thought the case was nearing resolution, another delay throws uncertainty into XRP's future. Here's what it means for ETF hopefuls.
Why This Matters
Another courtroom stall isn't just legal drama—it's a roadblock for institutional adoption. SEC Chair Gary Gensler's crusade against crypto now risks collateral damage: ETF issuers waiting in the wings.
The Ripple Effect
No clarity from courts means no green light for XRP-backed ETFs. Asset managers won't touch this with a ten-foot pole until regulators stop playing whack-a-mole with crypto projects.
What's Next?
Watch for two triggers: 1) A final judgment (whenever that happens), and 2) Whether the SEC—fresh off its Ethereum ETF flip-flop—dares to reject an XRP fund after losing its case.
Bottom line: Wall Street will get its crypto ETFs one way or another. They always do—just follow the fees.
The long-running Ripple vs SEC case took another turn this week after Judge Analisa Torres denied a joint request from both Ripple and the SEC for what’s called an “indicative ruling.” In simple terms, both sides were hoping the judge would signal a possible change or reconsideration of her earlier decision. But Judge Torres made it clear she’s not reopening or adjusting anything for now. The case will continue as planned in the appeals process.
While the news might seem like a setback for Ripple, legal experts say it’s unlikely to affect XRP’s presence on the secondary market or any upcoming ETF approvals.
Attorney Fred Rispoli explained that the existing injunction against Ripple only matters if the SEC actively decides to enforce it. Right now, there’s no sign that’s going to happen. The judge herself acknowledged in her ruling that unless the SEC pushes the issue, it won’t interfere with XRP’s market activity.
Rispoli also said that, technically, the SEC holds the authority to grant Ripple the exemptions or waivers needed to clear any restrictions related to the injunction, including those tied to an eventual IPO or ETF listing. From what he’s seen in legal records, there’s no hard rule stopping the SEC from doing this if it chooses.
Despite the ongoing legal back-and-forth, market sentiment around an XRP ETF remains strong. Bloomberg recently increased XRP’s chances of securing ETF approval in 2025 to 85%. The main reason behind this is the rising value of XRP and strong interest from both institutional investors and retail traders.
The regulatory clarity is finally starting to take shape in the U.S. crypto space and XRP could be next in line once its legal uncertainties settle.
Even though the Ripple vs SEC case isn’t over yet, this latest delay isn’t expected to block or slow down ETF plans for XRP. As long as the SEC doesn’t aggressively enforce the injunction, XRP trading and potential ETF discussions will likely continue moving forward.
