Judge Analisa Torres, serving in the Southern District of New York, has had a significant impact on the Ripple vs SEC case. Her legal background and recent decisions raise questions about possible strategies in this process.
Elite Legal Lineage and Suspicious Timing
Judge Torres possesses an impressive legal background, having graduated from Harvard and Columbia Law School. She comes from a legal dynasty; her father was a New York Supreme Court Justice, and her grandfather served as a Bronx judge. In 2013, she was appointed by President Obama to the SDNY, the same year Ripple was founded. This timing raises questions about the possible early preparation of legal infrastructure for Ripple.
A Career Tailored for Financial Control
Torres's résumé includes extensive experience in financial fraud and institutional litigation. In July 2023, she ruled that XRP sold to retail investors is not a security, while XRP sold to institutions is. This led to a reduction in the SEC's demands from $2 billion to $125 million. However, the case remained open, and both parties filed appeals.
Delays Despite Agreement
In 2025, Ripple and the SEC jointly requested to dismiss their appeals, but Torres denied two joint motions aimed at starting the settlement process. Analyst Stellar Rippler suggests that this action could have been deliberate, maintaining public uncertainty while the institutional ecosystem quietly builds.
Judge Analisa Torres's role in the Ripple case extends beyond her legal rulings. Her legal background and connections suggest deeper strategies that may influence the adoption of blockchain technology in the financial system.
