SEC Never Loses? Veteran Labels Ripple Case Mixed Verdict

As an analyst with a background in securities law and experience working with regulatory bodies, I believe that Fagel’s perspective is crucial in understanding the SEC’s stance on cryptocurrency regulation. His clarification that personal opinions on crypto are irrelevant for individuals in regulatory roles is essential to maintaining objectivity and upholding federal securities laws.


Notable news emerges as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announces a new appointee to head its Chicago Regional Office, which is the commission’s second largest. This development resurfaces discussions on cryptocurrency regulations.

As a dedicated crypto investor, I couldn’t help but notice the apprehension among my peers when the new industry leader expressed reservations about cryptocurrencies. The underlying unease in our community is palpable, as we grapple with the ongoing regulatory ambiguity that continues to shape the digital asset landscape.

Marc Fagel, a previous SEC employee and expertise in enforcing security laws, made it clear that individual views on crypto have no bearing on such regulatory roles. Instead, the main responsibility for individuals in these positions is ensuring the implementation of federal securities laws, rather than expressing personal perspectives on cryptocurrencies.

At the present moment, Fagel’s comments surface in the context of ongoing debates about how the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should regulate cryptocurrencies. Some critics contend that current securities regulations are no longer suited for the complexities of cryptocurrency technologies and are being incorrectly applied to their protocols and foundations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not had a crypto-related enforcement case ruled against them in terms of the substance of the argument (the Ripple case resulted in a mixed decision). Therefore, according to the courts, your assertion is incorrect.

— Marc Fagel (@Marc_Fagel) May 16, 2024

Fagel responded to the criticism by highlighting the SEC’s strong history in cryptocurrency regulatory actions. He pointed out that the SEC has never lost a case based on the merits of the argument. While acknowledging that the Ripple case had mixed outcomes, he emphasized that the courts have consistently supported the SEC’s stance.

SEC v. Ripple

The Ripple case presided over by Judge Analisa Torres holds notable importance. In her July 13, 2023 decision, Torres established that although the XRP token itself does not classify as a security, the way it was sold might be considered the distribution of a security.

As a researcher investigating the regulatory status of XRP transactions, I’ve found that institutional sales of this cryptocurrency were classified as unregistered offers and sales of investment contracts by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On the other hand, programmatic sales and other transactions directly handled by Ripple were not subject to these regulations.

At present, in the Ripple case, the focus has shifted to determining the appropriate remedies. The SEC has proposed a fine of $1.9 billion, an amount that Ripple disputes, arguing for a penalty no greater than $10 million.

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2024-05-17 19:09