Ripple vs SEC: Landmark Legal Battle Ends as Both Parties Move to Dismiss Appeals
After years of courtroom clashes, Ripple and the SEC drop the gloves—jointly filing to end appeals in a saga that drained wallets and patience.
### The $1.5B question: Who really won?
No fines, no admissions—just a quiet exit. XRP holders cheer, while regulators slink back to the drawing board. Classic crypto: everyone claims victory, nobody admits defeat.
### A masterclass in legal theater
Lawyers billed millions, traders lost sleep, and the SEC’s ‘regulation by enforcement’ strategy took another hit. Meanwhile, Wall Street still trades meme stocks—but sure, crypto’s the problem.
Ripple lives to fight another day. The SEC? Back to hunting smaller prey. The market yawns—and pumps anyway.
TLDR
- Ripple and SEC dismiss appeals, closing a five-year legal dispute over XRP.
- Court ruling confirms XRP sales on exchanges aren’t securities transactions.
- Ripple focuses on growth after securing $500M in funding at $40B valuation.
- XRP’s future now rests on adoption and Ripple’s blockchain innovations.
The long-running legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially ended. Both parties filed a joint motion to dismiss their respective appeals, formally closing the case after nearly five years of litigation. The case has played a key role in shaping discussions around digital asset regulation, particularly in relation to the classification of cryptocurrencies.
Joint Filing Ends All Appeals
Ripple Labs, along with its executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen, and the SEC filed a “Joint Stipulation of Dismissal” with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. This filing confirms that both sides will drop all pending appeals, effectively ending the legal dispute that began in 2020. In the court document, both Ripple and the SEC agreed to bear their own legal costs and fees related to the case.
This marks a major development in the cryptocurrency industry, as the lawsuit had significant consequences for Ripple and the broader crypto market. The SEC initially accused Ripple of conducting an unregistered securities offering by selling XRP, its native digital asset. The legal uncertainty surrounding XRP had a considerable impact on the coin’s price and Ripple’s operations over the past few years.
Legal Outcome and Key Findings
The case’s resolution brings clarity to the legal standing of XRP. The ruling reinforces the determination that programmatic sales of XRP on exchanges do not qualify as securities transactions. This key finding aligns with the view that XRP’s sale in these instances does not fall under the jurisdiction of U.S. securities laws.
Ripple’s executives had argued that their actions were transparent and within the bounds of the law. Despite the legal challenges, the company maintained that the SEC’s allegations were unfounded and that XRP should not be classified as a security. Now, with the dismissal of appeals, Ripple can MOVE forward without the burden of ongoing legal battles.
Ripple’s Focus Shifts to Growth and Innovation
With the legal issue behind it, Ripple is now shifting its focus toward expanding its operations and further developing its blockchain technology. The company recently secured $500 million in funding, pushing its valuation to $40 billion. This funding round saw participation from major investors such as Fortress Investment Group, Citadel Securities, Pantera Capital, and Galaxy Digital.
In addition to the funding, Ripple has been strengthening its partnerships with major financial institutions. Notably, the company has teamed up with Mastercard, Gemini, and WebBank to pilot a credit card settlement system. This collaboration aims to improve settlement efficiency using Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin on the XRP Ledger, which is designed to enhance cross-border payments and reduce costs.
XRP’s Future and Ripple’s New Chapter
With the legal conclusion, Ripple is well-positioned to concentrate on innovation and growth. The company can now focus on its Core mission of improving payment systems and expanding its blockchain solutions. The dismissal of the case gives Ripple the chance to rebuild its reputation and restore confidence among investors, which had been affected by the uncertainty surrounding the lawsuit.
For XRP holders, the conclusion of the case signals a fresh start. The token’s future will now depend on adoption and the ongoing development of Ripple’s blockchain projects. Ripple’s commitment to advancing technology and increasing its presence in the global financial system may lead to new opportunities for growth and innovation.
