The long-running legal standoff between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may be nearing its conclusion. In a pivotal move, a U.S. Court of Appeals has granted a 60-day suspension on legal proceedings, following a joint motion filed by both parties.
This pause is intended to provide time for final negotiations on a provisional settlement that could resolve the remaining disputes in the XRP lawsuit. The latest proposal would require Ripple to pay a $50 million penalty, while the remaining $75 million originally proposed would be waived, pending final review.
Industry experts view this development as a positive inflection point. According to legal analyst James Farrell, the court’s decision reflects serious intent to resolve the matter swiftly.
Final Ruling Could Arrive Before June
Legal commentators suggest the case could conclude before the end of June 2025, contingent upon final approval from Judge Analisa Torres and full agreement from the SEC.
A key component of Ripple’s strategy hinges on securing permission to conduct private XRP sales, a crucial step ahead of any future IPO plans. Without this judicial nod, Ripple’s next phase of expansion may stall.
“The next 60 days are critical for Ripple’s future and for XRP price direction,” said Farrell.
Key Factors to Watch:
- Judge Torres’ ruling on private XRP sales
- Approval of the $50 million settlement
- SEC leadership changes (Paul Atkins possibly joining as Chair)
If all variables align, Ripple could emerge with legal clarity and reduced regulatory overhang, fueling optimism among XRP investors.
Timeline Could Extend to 2027 If Disputes Persist
While optimism is growing, the lawsuit is not free from risks. If Judge Torres denies the current settlement terms or fails to approve Ripple’s request for private XRP transactions, the case could be pushed back to the appellate court, delaying resolution by up to two more years.
Farrell cautions that in a worst-case scenario, the Ripple vs SEC case could drag into 2027, continuing a legal saga that began in late 2020.
Possible Delay Triggers:
- Rejection of settlement terms
- Incomplete SEC transition
- Failure to resolve XRP sales legality
With the court-imposed 60-day pause now underway, the next few weeks will likely determine whether Ripple can finally put the legal battle behind it—or face yet another prolonged chapter in its regulatory fight.
