XRP News Today: SEC Closed Meeting and Ripple Appeal Withdrawal Debates; BTC Sideways

SEC Closed Meeting Looms

Ripple and XRP are in focus this week as investors track developments in the Ripple case. The SEC will hold a closed meeting on February 20. Commissioners may use this opportunity to discuss their appeal strategy.

According to the Sunshine Act Notice, the agenda includes discussions on:

• 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.

The agenda items open the door to discussions about ongoing SEC vs. crypto cases, including the Ripple case.

SEC vs. Ripple: The Crypto Task Force and the Appeal

As the SEC’s closed meeting approaches, speculation is growing about a potential withdrawal of the appeal in the Ripple case. Since filing the appeal-related opening brief on January 15, an overhaul within the SEC has fueled expectations of a shift in approach.

Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, appointed by President Trump, placed Commissioner Hester Peirce as head of the Crypto Task Force. The Crypto Task Force could oversee the resolution of non-fraud-related crypto cases.

Last week, court filings in several SEC vs. crypto cases, including Binance, Coinbase, and Lejilex, called for extensions, citing the Crypto Task Force’s potential role in resolutions. The extensions could coincide with Paul Atkins’ confirmation as SEC Chair, enabling the agency to end its regulatory enforcement approach toward digital assets.

While no court filings are due in the Ripple case until April, the SEC could face pressure to withdraw its appeal sooner. The absence of fraud findings in Ripple’s case strengthens the chances of withdrawal. In November, now acting Chair Uyeda stated:

“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.”

Legal experts expect incoming Chair Paul Atkins will adopt a similar stance, further boosting the chances of an appeal withdrawal. Former SEC Office of Internet Enforcement Chief John Reed Stark commented:

“He would likely reverse course on the SEC’s crypto-enforcement efforts. […] Paul favors free markets and hates over-regulation – which should be a net-positive for the cryptoverse.”

XRP Price Trends: Appeal and XRP-Spot ETFs Crucial for Demand

On Sunday, February 16, XRP declined by 1.20%, reversing Saturday’s 0.91% gain to close at 2.7296. XRP tracked the broader crypto market, which fell 1.28% to a total market cap of $3.14 trillion. Despite Sunday’s retreat, XRP outperformed the broader market in the week ending February 16. The token surged by 14%, while the total crypto market cap rose 1.21%.

XRP’s price gains reflected optimism about the SEC withdrawing its appeal and anticipation of a US XRP-spot ETF market. The SEC acknowledged the 19b-4 applications from Grayscale and 21Shares, signaling a shift in the agency’s stance toward XRP.

Key Price Scenarios:

• Bullish Case: An appeal withdrawal could drive XRP past its all-time high of $3.55.
• ETF Catalyst: Approval of an XRP-spot ETF could push XRP toward $5 on institutional inflows.
• Bearish Case: If the SEC proceeds with the appeal and rejects XRP-spot ETFs, XRP may drop below $1.50.

Click here to find out why analysts believe XRP could skyrocket—or crash—based on the SEC’s decision.

Bitcoin in Sideways Loop Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Beyond Ripple and XRP, bitcoin (BTC) remained a focal point. Since President Trump first announced plans for tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico on January 31, BTC has struggled to reclaim the crucial $100k mark, finding itself in a sideways loop.

Trump’s tariffs could increase US import costs and inflation, potentially leading to a more hawkish Fed rate path. A higher-for-longer Fed rate may raise borrowing costs, impacting risk assets, including BTC.

US economic data has also pegged BTC back from the $100k level. In January, a pickup in inflationary pressures tempered bets on an H1 2025 Fed rate cut amid tariff uncertainty. The US BTC-spot ETF market reflected sentiment toward the Fed rate path, ending a six-week inflow streak in the week ending February 14.

Bitcoin Price Outlook

On February 16, BTC dropped 1.51%, reversing Saturday’s 0.14% gain, closing at $96,225. Significantly, BTC fell short of the $100k level for the ninth consecutive session.

Looking ahead, it could be a pivotal week for BTC and the broader crypto market. Key BTC catalysts include:

• US Economic Data: Jobless claims report (February 20) and Services PMI (February 21).
• FOMC Commentary: insights into inflation, the labor market, and the Fed rate path.
• US Tariff policies: Trade tensions and economic impact.
• Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) Developments: Updates on the US government’s approach to BTC reserves.

Possible BTC Price Scenarios:

• Bearish: Sweeping US tariffs, upbeat US data, a hawkish Fed, and resistance to a US SBR could drag BTC toward $90,000.
• Bullish: Weaker US data, a dovish Fed, easing tariff tensions, and SBR progress could push BTC toward its all-time high of $109,312.

Market Outlook: Regulatory Developments Remain Key

Investors should closely track the following as these key factors will influence institutional engagement and price trends in the crypto market.:

1. Updates on the SEC’s appeal in the Ripple case.
2. US tariff policies and their impact on inflation.
3. US economic data and Fed commentary.
4. Developments surrounding the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR).
5. BTC-spot ETF market flows and institutional adoption.

Will the SEC finally withdraw its appeal? Keep an eye out for our updates and the latest insights here.