XRP’s Legal Breakthrough: Ripple Drops Cross Appeal Amid Settlement Hopes

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency market, Ripple Labs has withdrawn its cross appeal against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), fueling optimism for a potential settlement in their long-standing legal dispute. CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced the decision on social media, emphasizing Ripple's commitment to advancing the "Internet of Value." This move has sparked renewed interest in XRP, with investors eyeing potential price gains as the legal overhang begins to clear. As of July 12, 2025, the crypto community is closely watching for the SEC's next steps, which could further solidify XRP's position in the digital asset landscape.

Ripple Drops Cross Appeal in SEC Case, XRP Gains Amid Settlement Hopes

Ripple Labs has withdrawn its cross appeal against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, signaling a potential resolution to their protracted legal battle. CEO Brad Garlinghouse confirmed the move, anticipating reciprocal action from the regulator. "We're closing this chapter to focus on building the Internet of Value," he stated on social media platform X.

The development marks a pivotal moment for XRP, which has faced regulatory uncertainty since 2020. Market reaction was immediate, with the token rising 1.5% to $2.13 following the announcement. Analysts suggest the resolution could remove a significant barrier to institutional adoption.

Judge Analisa Torres' recent denial of both parties' motions for indicative rulings appears to have accelerated settlement discussions. The case's conclusion may catalyze renewed bullish sentiment around XRP, which maintains a $211 billion fully diluted valuation and $2.4 billion daily trading volume.

XRP Whales Accumulate Quietly as Price Eyes Breakout

XRP's price trajectory hints at an impending breakout as on-chain data reveals significant whale accumulation. Over 420 million tokens, valued at $915 million, were acquired within a week—a bullish signal despite retail wallet creation hitting a two-month low.

The cryptocurrency surged 6% to $2.23 amid a flurry of whale activity, with 108 million XRP trading hands in a single hour. Ripple's strategic movements included a 200 million XRP transfer ($439 million) to an unknown wallet on June 18, likely for institutional deployment.

Notable sell-side pressure emerged via three large deposits totaling 80 million XRP ($175 million) to Coinbase between June 12-19. Earlier, 230 million XRP exited Ripple's reserves, followed by a 50 million XRP shuffle between anonymous wallets—further evidence of heightened institutional maneuvering.

While XRP trades sideways, the underlying whale activity suggests accumulation precedes a potential breach of the $2.20 resistance level.

Ripple vs SEC Lawsuit Not Fully Settled Yet, Say Legal Experts

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has signaled a potential end to the prolonged legal battle with the SEC, withdrawing the company's cross appeal. The SEC is expected to follow suit, though legal experts caution the case isn't officially closed until regulatory formalities are completed.

Judge Torres recently rejected a proposed settlement that WOULD have reduced Ripple's penalty to $50 million and lifted its injunction. The SEC must still hold a commissioner vote to formally dismiss its appeal—a procedural step deemed inevitable but pending.

While the litigation appears resolved in practice, the injunction against Ripple remains active. Former SEC official Marc Fagel warns that Ripple's institutional distribution strategies could still face securities law challenges, though current enforcement trends introduce uncertainty.

XRP Price Surges as Whale Activity Signals Potential Breakout

XRP has surged to $2.17, marking a fresh upward trend fueled by renewed whale interest. CryptoQuant data reveals the 90-day moving average of whale flows turned positive in early May—a bullish signal last seen before XRP's 420% monthly rally. Ripple CTO David Schwartz's confirmation of upcoming acquisitions has further bolstered market confidence.

Large holders are accumulating aggressively. Wallets holding over 1 million XRP hit a record 2,850, while mid-tier wallets (10,000+ XRP) grew 6.2% year-to-date. This accumulation persists despite stagnant prices, suggesting institutional players anticipate major moves.

The token shows remarkable resilience, maintaining monthly closes above $2 since December 2024 despite Binance volumes plunging to August 2020 lows. With whale flows now positive and technical strength intact, XRP appears primed for a significant upward revaluation.