The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially dropped its case against Ripple Labs, marking the end of a four-year legal battle that significantly impacted the cryptocurrency industry.
Conclusion of the Legal Case
Ripple Labs CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced the decision on March 19, calling it a long-overdue resolution. He asserted that the case was 'doomed from the start.'
Market Reaction and Regulatory Changes
Following the SEC’s withdrawal, XRP’s price surged by nearly 13%, pushing it above $2.5, with trading volume reaching $5.7 billion. Investors responded positively, indicating renewed confidence in the digital asset.
Political and Industry Implications
Legal experts suggest political factors may have influenced the case’s resolution. Reports indicate that Ripple contributed $5 million to former President Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, and Garlinghouse reportedly met with Trump in January 2025, raising speculation about potential political influences on the SEC’s decision.
The SEC's decision concludes a long-standing legal dispute, alleviating uncertainty for Ripple and XRP, and signals a shift in the agency’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation.
