CZ Stands Firm: Binance Kept XRP Listed Despite SEC’s Relentless Pressure

While regulators played whack-a-mole with crypto, Binance doubled down—refusing to delist XRP during the SEC's three-year legal circus. Here's why it mattered.

The Unshakable Exchange

Changpeng Zhao's empire became the last major platform holding the line for Ripple's embattled token. Even as competitors folded under regulatory threats, Binance's liquidity pools kept XRP trades flowing.

Regulatory Roulette

The SEC's lawsuit created a bizarre arbitrage opportunity—exchanges that caved saw volumes evaporate, while Binance captured fleeing traders. A masterclass in regulatory arbitrage (and how agencies create their own worst enemies).

The Aftermath

Post-lawsuit clarity sent XRP soaring, proving once again that in crypto, the house always wins—especially when that house ignores bureaucratic temper tantrums.

Major exchanges fled amid regulatory uncertainty

Following the SEC’s complaint in December 2020, which claimed that Ripple had engaged in an unregistered securities sale, the majority of well-known U.S. cryptocurrency exchanges delisted XRP. The regulatory action created uncertainty about XRP’s legal status in the United States.

Coinbase announced the suspension of XRP trading for U.S. customers shortly after the SEC complaint, removing one of XRP’s largest trading venues. Crypto.com followed by delisting and suspending XRP trading in the U.S. on Jan. 19, 2021.

OKCoin suspended XRP trading to align with the risk management decisions of other platforms. Blockchain.com announced it WOULD halt XRP trading and delist the asset, following actions by Coinbase, Binance.US, and OKCoin. Bittrex removed XRP markets for U.S. customers as of Jan. 15, 2021.

Binance’s decision to maintain XRP trading on its international platform provided crucial liquidity during the legal uncertainty. The exchange’s continued support helped XRP maintain market access despite the challenges posed by U.S. regulations.

XRP (XRP) currently shows mixed short-term performance with declines of 0.2% over 24 hours and 0.4% over 30 days. The token has posted yearly gains of 361.1%, showing recovery from the litigation period.

Binance.US has since relisted XRP following favorable court rulings and the settlement announcement. The legal resolution removes the primary barrier to XRP trading on major U.S. platforms.