Ripple and SEC Reach Settlement Ending Three Year Legal Fight

March 26, 2025 by Bena Ilyas

• Ripple and the SEC have resolved. The SEC dropped its appeal, and Ripple withdrew its cross-appeal, bringing an end to the lengthy lawsuit.
• The SEC retains $50 million of the original $125 million penalty imposed on Ripple, with the rest to be returned, and the court will lift the injunction on Ripple’s operations.
• The SEC Commission vote and final judicial approval are expected within 30-60 days, marking the conclusion of the case.

The long-running legal dispute between Ripple and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is finally moving towards its endgame. In a turn of events, the SEC recently agreed to withdraw its appeal unconditionally, prompting Ripple to follow suit by withdrawing its cross-appeal.

As part of the settlement, the SEC will retain $50 million of the initial $125 million penalty imposed on Ripple. The funds have been held in an interest-bearing escrow account, and the remaining amount will be returned to the company. The settlement represents a de-escalation in a case that has been closely watched by the crypto industry for years.

In addition, the SEC will also request the court to lift the standard injunction it had previously imposed on Ripple’s business. However, before the completion of the deal, it would need to clear some procedural hurdles like a commission vote, completion of documents, and court approvals.

Ripple Case Update: Final Approval Phase Underway

Attorney Fred Rispoli made the following comments regarding the turn of events, saying that he was disappointed but also sympathized with the SEC attorneys who had toiled for years on the case. He cited the incredible amount of time and effort invested, with thousands of hours invested in presenting legal arguments, personal sacrifices being made, and families waiting in vain only to have the case wrap up in a few weeks’ time. He described this sudden turn of events as their hard work being “wiped out in an instant.”

Nevertheless, some on X (formerly Twitter) think the actual victims of this prolonged legal fight are Ripple’s team and XRP holders. The lawsuit, which was initiated in December 2020, imposed considerable price volatility, uncertainty, and economic pain on investors. Some think that regulatory clarity could have arrived sooner rather than after more than three years.

Rispoli has now outlined the expected timeline for the resolution of the case. As the documents are already ready following the announcement by Ripple, the SEC Commission will vote on the agreement within 30 days. After its approval, the SEC will move to vacate the injunction, and the company has said that it will not oppose the request.

The final judicial sign-off is expected within 60 days, the official and legal closure of the case. Rispoli described the result as “spectacular,” confirming the battle is all but won.

Ripple vs. SEC Showdown Nears End, Poised to Reshape Crypto Industry

This settlement represents a watershed moment not just for Ripple but for the whole cryptocurrency market. As one of the most highly anticipated legal fights in the crypto universe, its conclusion could establish a precedent for the way the SEC regulates digital assets going forward.

For XRP holders, the result can bring back confidence, eliminate legal uncertainty, and open the door to greater institutional participation. With regulatory uncertainty gone, the company can turn its attention to business development free from the distraction of litigation, while the industry anticipates potential ripple effects on broader regulatory policies.

The countdown has begun; within weeks, the crypto world could witness the conclusion of one of blockchain’s most defining legal showdowns.

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