XRP investors are closely monitoring the prolonged legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as uncertainty looms over the token’s future price trajectory.
While many speculate that a settlement could boost XRP, legal expert Bill Morgan has issued a cautionary note. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Morgan highlighted that continued legal uncertainty could exert downward pressure on XRP.
Despite speculation about an early resolution, Morgan remains skeptical, stating:
“I increasingly wonder whether, despite all the rumors of a settlement, the continuing uncertainty about the SEC v. Ripple appeal will increasingly exert negative pressure on XRP price.”
This uncertainty comes as the SEC shifts its approach toward cryptocurrency lawsuits, recently opting to dismiss cases against some firms. However, the prolonged nature of Ripple’s legal battle has left XRP investors wary.
Ripple Thrives Despite SEC Lawsuit
Ripple executives, however, maintain confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, irrespective of the SEC lawsuit. Eric van Miltenburg, Ripple’s Senior Vice President, recently stated that the company has been expanding its presence globally, largely unaffected by regulatory hurdles in the U.S.
Van Miltenburg referred to the Ripple vs. SEC legal drama as mere “theater,” suggesting that much of the legal battle is being settled behind closed doors. His statement was particularly surprising given the case’s high-profile nature and potential industry-wide ramifications.
Additionally, the Ripple executive pointed to growing adoption of XRP in the U.S. market, reinforcing that the SEC’s classification efforts may not significantly impact the token’s long-term viability. Some within the crypto community even believe XRP holds geopolitical significance, making regulatory classification more complex.
XRP Price Faces Volatility as Lawsuit Continues
The ongoing legal battle has created mixed predictions among analysts and legal experts. While some, like Fred Rispoli, anticipate an early resolution, others, including MetaLawMan and Jeremy Hogan, foresee a lengthy process stretching into late 2025.
Key factors influencing XRP’s price outlook include:
- Regulatory Clarity: Any favorable ruling or settlement could provide a boost to XRP’s price.
- Market Sentiment: Prolonged legal uncertainty may lead to hesitation among institutional investors.
- Crypto Industry Trends: A shift in SEC policies under the next U.S. administration could impact Ripple’s case.
As of today, XRP is trading at $2.28, marking a 2.19% daily decline. Despite a 9.47% weekly gain, the token has dropped 17% over the past month, with 24-hour trading volume falling 12.5% to $3.66 billion.
Despite recent volatility, some bullish analysts remain optimistic. For example, Good Morning Crypto has projected that XRP could see a strong price surge this spring, with some experts targeting a long-term valuation of $100 during the next bull cycle.
What’s Next for XRP?
- Investors will be watching for Ripple’s next legal update, which could significantly sway XRP’s price.
- Market sentiment will be influenced by broader cryptocurrency trends and regulatory developments.
- A potential Trump re-election and shifting SEC policies may alter the crypto regulatory landscape in 2025.
For now, XRP remains in a state of flux, with legal uncertainties weighing on price action. Whether Ripple emerges victorious or faces further legal setbacks, the case’s resolution will be a defining moment for XRP and the broader cryptocurrency industry.