Big News For Ripple: SEC Signals No Plans To Appeal Ruling

As a seasoned researcher with over two decades of experience in the financial industry, I’ve seen my fair share of legal battles between regulatory bodies and tech companies. This latest development in the SEC vs. Ripple case is an intriguing twist that has left me quite intrigued.


As a crypto investor, I’m excited to share that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided not to challenge Judge Torres’ ruling in their legal dispute with Ripple. The case was concluded on August 7, resulting in a civil penalty for Ripple that is significantly lower than what the SEC initially requested. This development suggests a more favorable outcome for Ripple and potentially, the wider crypto market.

In this case, Judge Torres ordered a fine of $125 million for securities law infractions concerning institutional sales, but no restitution (disgorgement) was required. This is significantly lower than the $2 billion in damages that the SEC had initially aimed to recover. Furthermore, an injunction was put in place to prohibit future violations of Section 5 of the Securities Act.

SEC Breaks Silence On Ripple Ruling

As a researcher delving into this topic, I’ve noticed an intriguing development: While Ripple’s executives swiftly expressed their triumph in response to the ruling through X, there’s been a conspicuous silence from the US agency involved. However, on Thursday, FOX Business journalist Eleanor Terrett managed to extract a statement from the SEC, which hints at potentially significant news for Ripple.

The court has agreed with the SEC’s request for penalties, issuing an injunction against Ripple from further violating securities laws and imposing fines exceeding 12 times the amount proposed by Rippe. According to the court, Ripple’s tendency to test the boundaries of the previous order suggests a high probability that they may have already or will eventually overstep the mark.

Additionally, the US agency applauded the court’s agreement that Ripple’s actions were particularly severe, and it emphasized that the repeated, highly profitable breach of Section 5 is a significant infraction. The SEC representative further clarified, “Just as numerous courts have declared, the securities regulations apply when companies issue and sell investment contracts, regardless of the technology or terminology they employ.”

No Appeal?

In essence, it appears that both sides view the result as advantageous. Ripple is rejoicing over the significant decrease in fines, whereas the SEC is emphasizing the court’s backing of their understanding of securities regulations and the penalties enforced.

Given the current situation, Terrett tentatively proposed, “I suspect it’s improbable for either party to find appeal in the remedies decided. Instead, it seems more plausible that the SEC might appeal the July 2023 verdict now that a final judgment has been made. However, I express this opinion while wearing my ‘not a lawyer’ shirt.”

As a researcher delving into this topic, I observed that pro-XRP legal representative, Fred Rispoli, concurred with Terrett’s evaluation. Through communication channel X, he expressed his viewpoint: “The language used by both parties mirrors the usual discourse of those who are satisfied with the ruling and see no need for an appeal.”

As a crypto investor, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph on Wednesday when Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, and Stuart Alderoty, our CLO, expressed their clear satisfaction with the ruling. Garlinghouse didn’t mince words about the court’s rejection of the SEC’s excessive demands, hailing it as a “victory for Ripple, the industry, and the rule of law.” Alderoty, on the other hand, underscored the fact that there were no allegations of fraud or financial harm in this case, expressing gratitude for the court’s rejection of what he deemed to be the SEC’s “absurd” financial demands.

At press time, XRP traded at $0.6046.

Big News For Ripple: SEC Signals No Plans To Appeal Ruling

Read More

2024-08-09 17:12