Ripple vs SEC: Appeal Battle Rages On Despite Market Speculation

The crypto courtroom drama that refuses to die. Ripple's legal slugfest with the SEC just got a fresh injection of uncertainty as appeal proceedings churn forward—turns out those 'case closed' rumors were about as accurate as a meme coin's whitepaper.

No end in sight

While XRP bagholders keep refreshing court dockets like degenerate traders watching leverage positions, this regulatory showdown keeps finding new ways to prolong the pain. The SEC's appeal isn't just alive—it's kicking like a bull market FOMO rush.

Legal limbo continues

Three years in and still no clean resolution. Somewhere between the legal jargon and the endless motions, one truth emerges: when government agencies and crypto giants collide, the only sure winners are the lawyers charging by the hour.

Final thought: At this rate, the case might outlast both the current crypto cycle and the SEC chairman's tenure—which, given regulatory turnover rates, isn't saying much.

• The Ripple vs. SEC legal battle remains unresolved despite public belief that the appeal was dropped.
• Ripple’s legal chief claimed victory, but a former SEC lawyer clarified the appeal is still active, though paused.
• The confusion stems from optimistic remarks in a March video by Ripple’s Stuart Alderoty.

Ripple continues to find itself at the heart of a legal and regulatory debate that has major implications for the U.S. crypto industry. In recent months, confusion has emerged over whether the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officially dropped its appeal against the firm in March 2025. While some believed the case had concluded, legal experts warn that the courtroom battle is still ongoing.

The speculation gained traction after Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, made comments in a video segment titled Crypto in a Minute. In the March video, Alderoty reflected on the years-long legal war between Ripple and the SEC, stating confidently, “I feel good.” He claimed that the SEC had not only abandoned its appeal but had also dropped its broader enforcement actions against crypto companies nationwide.

According to Alderoty, the SEC had finally conceded to a point Ripple and other industry players have long emphasized: that enforcement without clear laws is both ineffective and unjust. “We never had clear laws or regulations for crypto in this country,” he explained. “Now, we’re going to clean up the mess, leave the courtrooms behind, and work with Congress to build smart rules that protect consumers and allow innovation to grow.”

https://t.co/QwZWp00Q4T #XRP lawyer – Stuart Alderoty explains why the SEC decided to drop its appeal against #Ripple in March 2025. pic.twitter.com/TQDBywN2Zk

Ex-SEC Lawyer Debunks Rumors of Ripple’s Legal Victory

These comments sparked celebration among parts of the crypto community, with many interpreting them as a final victory for Ripple and a sign of regulatory progress. However, former SEC attorney James Farrell offered a much-needed reality check. Taking to social media, Farrell stated that the SEC’s appeal remains active, despite being temporarily stayed. “The SEC still has not dropped its appeal. Both parties’ appeals are still alive (although stayed) today,” he wrote.

Ummm…. the SEC still has not dropped its appeal. Both parties' appeals are still alive (although stayed) today.

This clarification highlights a critical distinction: while proceedings may be paused, they are not resolved. The case has not been dismissed, and the outcome is still pending in the U.S. legal system.

Despite the legal limbo, Optimism is building around the future of crypto regulation in the United States. The firm’s legal team is continuing to engage in policy discussions, aiming to help shape a regulatory framework that supports innovation while protecting consumers. The hope is that Congress will step in with definitive guidelines, ending the era of regulation by enforcement.

As of now, Ripple’s clash with the SEC is not fully behind them, but the tides may be turning. The path forward could finally bring the regulatory clarity the industry has long demanded.