- Ripple’s legal win prompts SEC to reassess enforcement, prioritizing fraud cases over asset classification disputes, per ex-officials.
- XRP price rose 12% post-SEC withdrawal; Ripple expands global payment partnerships with banks like Santander, Standard Chartered.
The SEC withdrew its appeal against Ripple Labs in March 2025, concluding a multiyear legal dispute over the classification of XRP, the cryptocurrency tied to the company. Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, explained the decision during a recent episode of the company’s Crypto in One Minute series on social media.
In the newest Crypto In One Minute, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer @s_alderoty explains why the SEC dropped its appeal against Ripple in March 2025, and where the US is going with smart crypto regulation on the horizon: https://t.co/HJ4wTBWDmx
Protecting consumers
… pic.twitter.com/KD9bi66sGI
— Ripple (@Ripple) May 2, 2025
The SEC sued Ripple in 2020, alleging the firm sold XRP as an unregistered security. The agency argued that XRP’s distribution violated federal securities laws. Ripple contested the claim, asserting that XRP functions as a currency and should not fall under SEC oversight. A series of court rulings favored Ripple, including a 2023 judgment that classified XRP as a non-security when sold to retail investors.
The SEC initially appealed this decision but abandoned the effort in 2025. Alderoty attributed the withdrawal to shifting regulatory attitudes and legal precedent. “The SEC recognized the futility of prolonging this fight” he said. “Courts clarified that XRP isn’t a security, and the agency had to adapt.”
The case drew attention as a test of how U.S. regulators would treat digital assets. Alderoty noted the outcome provides clearer guidelines for companies using cryptocurrencies. “The market now understands that assets like XRP can exist outside strict securities frameworks” he added.
Legal experts suggest the SEC’s retreat reflects a broader reassessment of crypto enforcement. John Reed Stark, a former SEC official, stated that the agency may now prioritize cases with stronger evidence of fraud or investor harm.
XRP’s price rose 12% in the week following the SEC’s announcement
ETHNews analysts linked the increase to reduced regulatory uncertainty. Ripple’s partnerships with financial institutions, including Santander and Standard Chartered, have expanded since the rulings, with XRP used to facilitate cross-border payments.
Alderoty emphasized that the case’s resolution allows Ripple to focus on global growth. “We’ve spent years defending our position” he said. “Now we can build without this distraction.”
The SEC’s decision does not prevent future actions against other crypto firms. However, the Ripple case sets a framework for distinguishing currencies from securities. Alderoty urged lawmakers to pass legislation formalizing these distinctions, calling current rules “reactive and inconsistent.”
Congress has debated multiple crypto bills since 2024, but none have advanced to a vote. Observers say the Ripple outcome could accelerate efforts to clarify oversight.
For now, the case marks a turning point for Ripple—and a cautionary tale for regulators pursuing similar claims. As Alderoty put it: “The courts have spoken. It’s time to move forward.”
XRP is currently trading at $2.197, reflecting a minor -0.70% daily decline but maintaining an overall strong trend. Over the last month, it has gained +2.76%, and an impressive +330.77% over the past 6 months, with a +325.14% increase year-on-year. The token is building momentum just below $2.40, a critical resistance zone, while maintaining strong support around $2.20.
From a technical standpoint, XRP’s structure remains bullish despite the minor correction. Price action has been consolidating below $2.40, and a confirmed breakout above this level may trigger a rapid move toward $2.80–$3.00.
Whale activity is surging, with Binance receiving between 200 million and 6.9 billion XRP in deposits per day, highlighting institutional-scale movement. Additionally, $3.44 million in short liquidations occurred in the last 24 hours, suggesting strong upward pressure and liquidation imbalance in favor of bulls.
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