- Garlinghouse confirmed that the SEC case against Ripple has ended, bringing more clarity to the company’s future.
- Ripple spent over $150 million in legal fees, with a $125 million fine still undecided.
- XRP surged 15% following the news, and Ripple is now focusing on acquisitions.
Ripple has reached an important milestone in its legal dispute with the SEC. CEO Brad Garlinghouse confirmed that the case has concluded, bringing more clarity to the company’s future. This marks the end of a legal process that has shaped Ripple’s direction for years. With this decision, Ripple is now considering its next steps, including whether to settle the remaining financial penalty. While legal battles often bring uncertainty, the company is focusing on its broader goals, including expansion in blockchain infrastructure and regulatory discussions.
A Long and Expensive Battle
For years, Ripple has been entangled in a lawsuit that questioned the very foundation of its business. The SEC’s allegations centered around XRP, claiming that it was an unregistered security. Fighting these claims hasn’t been cheap—Ripple has reportedly spent over $150 million in legal fees. Despite the partial ruling in 2023 that limited XRP’s classification as a security to institutional sales, a $125 million fine remains in limbo. Now, Ripple must decide whether to continue its appeal or pay the penalty and close this chapter.
Garlinghouse focuses on Ripple’s future
With legal uncertainty largely behind it, Ripple is shifting focus. The market has reacted positively, with XRP surging 15% to $2.59 following the news. The cryptocurrency, already the third-largest after Bitcoin and Ether, has gained nearly 400% since Trump’s election victory in November. While an IPO isn’t a priority for Ripple, acquisitions are on the table. Garlinghouse has hinted that the company is looking for opportunities to strengthen its blockchain infrastructure offerings.
A Changing Regulatory Landscape
This case isn’t just about Ripple—it reflects a broader shift in crypto regulation. Under Trump’s administration, the SEC has stepped back from aggressive enforcement, pausing or dismissing lawsuits against major players like Coinbase, Binance, and Uniswap. Ripple has played a role in shaping this environment, contributing significantly to political campaigns advocating for a friendlier regulatory framework.
Garlinghouse strengthens Ripple’s political connections
Garlinghouse and Ripple’s legal chief, Stuart Alderoty, have actively engaged with policymakers. In February, Trump himself shared a CoinDesk article featuring Garlinghouse, underscoring Ripple’s growing influence in the political sphere. The company even pledged $5 million in XRP for Trump’s inauguration festivities. These connections position Ripple as a major player in the evolving crypto landscape.
Conclusion
With legal battles mostly behind it, Ripple is now focused on expansion. Its legal victory has inspired other crypto firms to push back against regulatory pressure. Meanwhile, interest in XRP is growing, with asset managers filing for ETFs that include the token. As Ripple charts its next course, the company’s decisions—whether to appeal, pursue acquisitions, or shape policy—will define its role in the next phase of crypto innovation. One thing is clear: Ripple is no longer just defending itself; it’s planning its future.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The article does not offer sufficient information to make investment decisions, nor does it constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The content is opinion of the author and does not reflect any view or suggestion or any kind of advise from CryptoNewsBytes.com. The author declares he does not hold any of the above mentioned tokens or received any incentive from any company.
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