The deadline for the SEC to file an appeal in the lawsuit, which accused Ripple of selling unregistered securities with XRP, is October 6th or 7th.
The lawsuit, concluding last month with a partial victory for Ripple, has entered its final phase. While a judge ruled against the SEC’s claim that XRP itself is a security, the SEC was awarded a $125 million penalty against Ripple for certain institutional sales. Both sides have agreed to stay the penalty payment, fueling speculation that the legal battle may continue.
Expert predictions suggest a 75% chance of the SEC filing an appeal, potentially focusing on the liability portions of the case. Ex-SEC lawyers, including James Farrell, believe the SEC may seek to challenge the court’s decision regarding secondary market sales and the use of XRP for payments. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and CLO Stuart Alderoty have publicly stated they are prepared to move forward regardless of the SEC’s decision.
Investors Eye Ripple’s Upcoming Swell Conference
Even as the legal battle continues, Ripple is focused on expanding its business and influence in the cryptocurrency space. The company’s highly anticipated Swell conference, scheduled for October 14-15, is expected to feature major announcements, including the potential launch of Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, and possibly an XRP-focused ETF. The conference will also highlight tokenization projects, with experts predicting that up to $50 trillion in assets could be tokenized on the XRP Ledger in the future.
Market analysts are closely watching the SEC’s appeal decision and its potential impact on XRP’s price. Currently trading around $0.58, XRP has shown resilience despite market volatility. Analysts suggest a potential 25% rally in the near term, with some predicting a longer-term surge to $1 or even $2, contingent on favorable market conditions and the outcome of the SEC appeal.
The Ripple vs. SEC case holds significant implications for the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the US. A decision against an appeal would be a major victory for Ripple and could set a precedent for other cryptocurrencies facing similar regulatory scrutiny. Conversely, a successful appeal by the SEC could prolong the legal battle and create uncertainty for the broader crypto market.Â
Regardless of the outcome, Ripple appears determined to forge ahead with its vision for a tokenized future, leveraging the XRP Ledger and its growing ecosystem.
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