SEC’s Atkins Teases Crypto Policy Shakeup Post-Ripple Ruling – What’s Next for Regulation?

SEC Commissioner Caroline Atkins drops hints of impending regulatory reforms following the landmark Ripple case resolution. The crypto industry braces for impact.

Regulators in the Crosshairs

With the Ripple lawsuit finally settled, the SEC appears ready to rewrite the rulebook—just in time to justify next year’s budget increase. Atkins’ recent comments suggest a pivot toward clearer (or just more aggressive) crypto oversight.

The Compliance Tug-of-War

Market players are left guessing whether new rules will bring clarity or simply more bureaucratic hurdles. One thing’s certain: lawyers and compliance officers will be the real winners here.

A Cynic’s Take

Nothing galvanizes regulatory action like a high-profile case that exposed how little they’d done beforehand. Now watch them overcorrect with the precision of a sledgehammer.

Ripple was fined $125 million

In 2023, a judge ruled in favour of XRP that XRP sold to retailers is not considered a security, while sales to institutional investors will be considered as securities. Ripple was fined $125 million in August 2024 following the ruling.

This development comes as lawmakers push the CLARITY Act, a bill to set rules for digital assets, aiming for passage by September 30, 2025. Republicans support it, but Democrats, led by Maxine Waters, oppose it and another bill against a U.S. digital currency, calling them risky. 

This trend indicates growing political disagreements. The Ripple case’s end reduces uncertainty for everyday crypto trades and sparks hope for better U.S. crypto regulations to stay competitive globally.

Also Read: XRP Lawyer Dismisses 2026 Delay Rumors in Ripple vs SEC Case