SEC Chair Paul Atkins Declares ’Chapter Closed’ on Ripple vs SEC – What’s Next for Crypto?

The crypto world just got its long-awaited verdict—or did it? SEC Chair Paul Atkins dropped the mic with a terse 'chapter closed' on the Ripple vs SEC saga. But in an industry built on loopholes, who’s really keeping score?

Ripple’s legal limbo ends (for now)

After years of regulatory wrangling, the SEC’s abrupt closure raises more questions than answers. XRP holders cheer while compliance officers scramble to interpret the tea leaves. Another day, another gray area in crypto regulation.

The irony? Wall Street still can’t decide if digital assets are securities or casino chips—but they’ll happily collect fees either way. Stay tuned for the next episode of ‘As The Regulators Turn’.

After more than five years of legal battles, the high-profile Ripple vs SEC case has officially come to an end. The parties have filed a Joint Dismissal of the Appeals, signaling the closure of one of the most discussed cases in the crypto industry.

A Long Chapter Ends

The lawsuit, which began in late 2020, accused Ripple of selling XRP as an unregistered security. Over the years, the case became a central talking point in debates about crypto regulation and the SEC’s approach to digital assets. The legal proceedings have now concluded, bringing relief to both Ripple and the broader crypto community.

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Welcomes the End

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, often known for her more crypto-friendly views, posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling the end of the case a “welcome development.”

Commissioner Peirce is right. With this chapter closed, we now have an opportunity to shift our energy from the courtroom to the policy drafting table. Our focus should be on building a clear regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting investors. #ProjectCrypto

She wrote that with the litigation behind them, “minds once occupied with litigation now can concentrate on creating a clear regulatory framework for crypto.”

Chairman Paul Atkins: Time to Focus on Policy

Following Peirce’s comment, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins responded in agreement. He said that the case’s conclusion should be seen as a turning point.

 “Commissioner Peirce is right. With this chapter closed, we now have an opportunity to shift our energy from the courtroom to the policy drafting table,” Atkins said. “Our focus should be on building a clear regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting investors.”

What This Could Mean for the Crypto Industry

With the Ripple case resolved, industry experts believe the SEC and policymakers may now face greater pressure to clarify rules for digital assets. A MOVE toward well-defined regulations could help reduce future conflicts between regulators and crypto companies, while also offering more certainty to investors.

The “chapter closed” remark from Atkins means that, at least from the SEC leadership’s perspective, the focus is now shifting from litigation to lawmaking, a change many in the industry have long called for.