Judge Torres Slams Brakes on Ripple-SEC Settlement: ’No Backdoor Deals in My Court’

In a move that sent shockwaves through crypto legal circles, Judge Analisa Torres just axed Ripple's attempted backroom settlement with the SEC. No velvet ropes here—justice gets the VIP treatment.

The gavel drops hard

Torres' ruling cuts through the regulatory fog like a Bitcoin halving event—sudden, decisive, and leaving everyone scrambling. The message? Play stupid games with the SEC, win stupid subpoenas.

Due process or no process

The judge's order torpedoes any hope of a quiet exit, forcing both sides to dance under the courtroom fluorescents. Meanwhile, XRP holders watch another chapter unfold in the never-ending 'security vs. utility' circus—the only show where the clowns wear $3,000 suits.

One thing's clear: When the SEC brings a knife to a gunfight, Judge Torres just handed them a howitzer. Crypto's favorite legal drama just got renewed for another season—whether the market likes it or not.

Judge Analisa Torres has denied a joint motion filed by Ripple and the SEC — a move that’s now triggering deep conversations across the XRP community. Despite both parties seemingly on the same page for once, the court made it clear—there are no shortcuts when it comes to justice.

Let’s break down what happened and why the judge blocked their attempt to MOVE forward quietly.

Ripple SEC Joint Motion Denied

Ripple and the SEC, who have battled in court for years over XRP’s legal status, recently teamed up to ask Judge Torres to approve two key changes to their case: first remove the long-standing injunction, and second reduce Ripple’s penalty from $125 million down to $50 million. 

While the request came as a surprise to many, it was seen as a joint attempt to wrap things up early and cleanly.

However, the judge wasn’t on board. She denied the request, stating that she cannot comment on or undo any part of the final judgment while the appeal is still active

In essence, she made it clear, “You don’t get to erase a final judgment just because you’re now friends.”

The ask was BIG:

Cancel the permanent injunction
Cut Ripple’s $125 million penalty by more than 60%

Yes, Ripple and the SEC — two courtroom adversaries — came to the judge with a handshake and a proposal.

But Judge Torres said:

“You don’t get to erase a final…

Why Judge Torres Said No

Ripple and the SEC tried using a rarely granted legal option under Rule 60(b)(6), which allows for changes to a final judgment in extraordinary cases. But Judge Torres rejected this, pointing to Ripple’s earlier behavior—deliberate violations of securities laws, continued misconduct, and a lack of accountability.

In her words, Ripple had shown no convincing sign of changing, and the existing injunction was still necessary to protect investors.

She made it clear, no shortcuts will be allowed while the case is still on appeal.

Quoting a past U.S. Supreme Court decision, Judge Torres reminded both parties that a final court ruling belongs to the legal system, not just those involved. Courts are not tools for convenience, and legal decisions cannot be quietly erased even when both sides want to move on.

Speculation Over Ripple SEC Allies?

XRP supporters raise a bigger question: Why did Ripple and the SEC suddenly act like allies? Some believe both parties are preparing for something bigger—possibly a major shift in how digital assets will be used globally.

With stablecoins launching, central bank digital currencies emerging, and even XRP ETF applications underway in Canada and Asia, the timing of this legal pushback feels significant.

With the motion denied, the judge’s message is clear: settlements must happen in the open, and legal shortcuts won’t be tolerated.