XRP News Today: Ripple Awaits SEC’s Appeal Verdict Amid ETF Hopes

XRP Holds Steady as SEC Appeal Clouds Market Direction

On Saturday, January 25, XRP gained 0.25%, partially reversing Friday’s 0.61% drop to close at $3.1078. XRP moved within a tight range of $3.0772 and $3.1420 as investors awaited SEC appeal-related news. Meanwhile, the broader crypto market advanced by 0.12%, taking the total market cap to $3.53 trillion.

SEC Appeal Strategy and Implications for XRP-Spot ETFs

The SEC’s appeal strategy in the Ripple case remained the focal point on Saturday, January 25. On Thursday, January 23, the SEC held a closed meeting, likely discussing enforcement actions, including the Ripple case.

Commissioner Mark Uyeda’s appointment as acting Chair fueled speculation about a potential appeal withdrawal. In November, the acting Chair called for an end to non-fraud-related enforcement cases, saying,

“The Commission’s war on crypto must end, including crypto enforcement actions solely based on a failure to register with no allegation of fraud or harm. President Trump and the American electorate have sent a clear message. Starting in 2025, the SEC’s role is to carry out that mandate.”

However, the SEC typically needs to vote to withdraw an appeal, and at least three Commissioners must normally be present to meet quorum requirements. Nevertheless, the SEC’s recent rescission of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121 suggests possible protocol deviations.

The upcoming closed SEC meeting on January 30 will give the agency another opportunity to discuss the appeal. According to the Sunshine Notice Act, agenda items include:

• Institution and settlement of injunctive actions;
• Institution and settlement of administrative proceedings;
• Resolution of litigation claims; and
• Other matters relating to examinations and enforcement proceedings.

A withdrawal of the SEC appeal might be significant for XRP as ETF issuers continue filing XRP-spot ETF applications. The SEC would likely approve pending applications should the agency end its challenge against the Programmatic Sales of XRP ruling.

SEC Lawyers Can Push But Cannot Vote on Appeal Withdrawals

Notably, attendees of closed SEC meetings include Commissioners, Counsel to the Commissioners, and staff members who have an interest in the matters open for discussion. Former Chair Gary Gensler promoted seasoned crypto litigators to senior positions before leaving. The promotions could potentially give them a greater influence in enforcement plans. While this could lead to disagreements about individual cases, Senior Officers cannot vote.

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty referred to the Kraken case on Friday, saying,

“Some SEC lawyers are still playing old games, earning yet another admonishment from a federal judge today—this time in the Kraken case. This conduct must end swiftly or risk undermining the efforts of SEC Crypto 2.0.”

XRP Price Trends: A Tipping Point

XRP’s near-term trends hinge on the SEC’s appeal strategy and progress toward an XRP-spot ETF market. A withdrawal could drive XRP above its all-time high of $3.5505. XRP could break above $4 if the SEC approves pending XRP-spot ETF applications. On the downside, pursuing the appeal and rejecting the spot ETF applications could drag XRP below $2.

XRP Price Action

Daily Chart

Despite ongoing uncertainty about the appeal, XRP remains well above the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA), sending bullish price signals.

A breakout from the January 24 high of $3.2043 could signal a move toward the January 16 high of $3.3999. A return to $3.3999 may enable the bulls to target the 2018 all-time high of $3.5505.

SEC-related activity and Ripple case-related news require consideration.

Conversely, an XRP drop below $3 could indicate a retreat toward the $2.5 level. A fall through $2.5 may give the bears a run at the $2 level, a potentially crucial psychological support level if the SEC pursues its appeal.

With a 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading of 63.58, XRP could climb to the January 16 high of $3.3999 before entering overbought territory (RSI above 70).

Market Outlook: Regulatory Uncertainty Looms

XRP’s future hinges on the SEC’s next steps and broader regulatory developments. The SEC’s Ripple appeal and macroeconomic shifts, including evolving crypto regulations, will shape investor sentiment.

To access additional analysis on the SEC’s appeal strategy and XRP’s market implications, view our insights here.