SEC vs. Ripple: Why the XRP Lawsuit Continues While Others Settle

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By Jason Walker

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently concluded legal actions against several significant cryptocurrency companies. However, Ripple remains a notable exception, ensuring the XRP case stays firmly in the public eye.

While the agency officially terminated its lawsuits against firms like Kraken and Consensys, questions have arisen regarding why Ripple was not included in these dismissals. Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett addressed this matter on the social media platform X, providing perspectives on the SEC’s persistent legal engagement with Ripple.

In a recent social media post, she emphasized that the SEC’s decision to exclude Ripple while resolving matters with other entities was not entirely unexpected. Terrett pointed out that Ripple’s legal standing presents unique complexities compared to the other cases, complicating its path to resolution.

Key Legal Distinctions

A primary differentiating factor involves an existing court injunction against Ripple. The SEC faces the hurdle of needing to overcome this injunction before it can withdraw its complaint. To move forward, the regulatory body would need to request that Judge Torres vacate the injunction, a procedural necessity before any potential settlement discussions can advance.

The Commission’s decisions to cease litigation against Kraken and Consensys were formalized through joint stipulations. This legal mechanism ensures these specific lawsuits cannot be refiled. Significantly, these dismissals came without any financial penalties imposed on the companies involved. Nevertheless, the regulator has made it clear that these specific resolutions do not indicate a shift in its broader stance concerning cryptocurrency regulation.

Outlook for the Ripple Case

Despite these other case closures, the lawsuit involving XRP remains active and unaffected. Legal commentator Fred Rispoli recently weighed in on the situation, forecasting that the Ripple lawsuit could potentially reach a settlement within the next couple of months. However, he also acknowledged that several procedural steps must still be completed before such an outcome is possible.

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