XRP: Ripple Officially Ends Legal Dispute with SEC

XRP is once again in the spotlight as Ripple Labs has officially concluded its prolonged legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry.

In a statement made by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, it was confirmed that the company is terminating its cross-appeal against the SEC. This move signifies Ripple’s decision to accept prior court rulings rather than continue the litigation that has shaped the narrative around XRP since December 2020.

The SEC is also anticipated to withdraw its own appeal, which was introduced under the leadership of previous SEC Chairman Gary Gensler back in October. Both entities had been involved in settlement negotiations aiming to end the conflict amicably, but not all proposals were embraced by the court system.

The recent turning point came when U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres denied a joint motion submitted by Ripple and the SEC. The motion sought modifications to the final judgment issued in August 2024. The judge, however, ruled that the amendments failed to meet the high threshold required to approve changes to a public judgment, stressing the importance of serving the public interest over corporate concessions.

Previously, the SEC agreed to reduce Ripple’s financial penalty from $125 million to $50 million and proposed lifting the injunction that restricted the firm’s sales to institutional investors. While these terms suggested a path toward finalization, Judge Torres was not convinced that they justified altering the outcome, forcing the matter to remain unresolved on the court’s record.

Following this judicial rebuff, Ripple faced two choices: pursue a continuation of its appeal or accept the existing ruling, including the full $125 million penalty and the permanent injunction. The company ultimately opted to move forward without further appeals, closing out the litigation and absorbing the implications of the original verdict.

This development ends years of courtroom contention that had cast a shadow over both Ripple and the XRP token. The lawsuit originally stemmed from claims that Ripple’s sales of XRP constituted unregistered securities offerings. The legal dispute has since influenced both investor sentiment and the broader compliance strategies of cryptocurrency firms within the United States.

Despite the resolution, XRP’s performance in the market hasn’t reflected immediate positivity. The token was trading at $2.11 as of the latest update, maintaining a bearish trajectory even after the long-awaited end to the legal dilemma.

The Ripple-SEC case has served as a legal bellwether for the entire digital asset market. Its closure provides some clarity for companies navigating the complex relationship between blockchain innovation and regulatory oversight. Although Ripple didn’t entirely walk away unscathed, the firm now has an opportunity to refocus its efforts on development, expansion, and engaging with institutions under a more defined legal context.

As regulatory uncertainties continue to be a top concern for the crypto industry, Ripple’s exit from this litigation wave could ignite momentum for other companies seeking structured resolution through courts. Meanwhile, XRP’s role remains pivotal, as investors and analysts continue to watch the token’s activity and adoption following this legal closure.

Ripple’s decision to end the fight marks both an end and a new beginning—a point at which it can begin rebuilding market confidence and exploring new strategic directions without the shadow of federal prosecution looming overhead.

This legal outcome reaffirms the importance of judicial transparency and highlights the significance of regulatory settlements that align with public interest, rather than private negotiation alone. With the case now behind them, Ripple and XRP holders await the next chapter in the company’s evolution.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

Brad Garlinghouse has announced the move on social media, signaling Ripple’s forward-looking posture post-litigation.