Ripple has announced following more than four years of legal wrangles with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — the SEC vs. Ripple case is shutting down in a dramatic fashion.
However, the SEC remains publicly silent on the matter. As pro-crypto Paul Atkins takes over as SEC chair, a new twist may emerges in the Ripple case. April 16th is the due date for Ripple’s appellate brief, following that they cannot get an extension and either has to file it or there will be a notice of settlement/withdrawal.
On March 19, 2025, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced that the SEC would be dropping its appeal in the long-standing lawsuit that started in December 2020.
The suit, which was filed in December 2020, charged Ripple with operating an unregistered offering of securities by selling XRP tokens. Garlinghouse described the SEC’s move as a “long-overdue surrender” and celebrated it as a huge victory for the crypto space strongly reaffirming, “XRP is not a security.
Ripple complied and dropped its cross-appeal, there is still a $50 million penalty that is included in the ultimate settlement, and another $75 million being reimbursed to the company.
However, weeks later, the SEC has not made an official public announcement that it is withdrawing its appeal. This has generated speculation on what is really transpiring behind closed doors.
Amidst this confusion, a fresh development today has added to the intrigue: the U.S. Senate confirmed Paul Atkins as the new SEC chairman. A well-known pro-crypto voice and former collaborator with the Token Alliance, Atkins is set to guide the SEC toward more transparent, innovation-positive regulation.
His role could be key in wrapping up the Ripple case. Atkins could leverage this opportunity to transform the SEC’s strategy—from enforcement to more transparent rules. This would facilitate rebuilding trust with the crypto community and enable Trump’s vision of positioning the U.S. as a leader in blockchain innovation.
All eyes are now on Paul Atkins. Will he utilize the Ripple case to transform the SEC’s attitude toward crypto and initiate a new, pro-innovation era?
Also Read: New Twist in Ripple SEC Case As Penny Stock Dealer Claims Evidence
