XRP News Today: Will SEC Transparency Boost XRP Sentiment? BTC Dips Below $82k

SEC Silence Shifts Focus to Crypto Conflicts of Interest Investigation

As of Sunday, March 30, the crypto market had yet to receive an official SEC statement confirming the withdrawal of its appeal against the Programmatic Sales of XRP ruling. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced that the SEC had withdrawn its appeal on March 19. Notably, the SEC formally dismissed its case against Coinbase (COIN) within a week of CEO Brian Armstrong declaring it over.

The SEC’s silence has redirected focus to the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) investigation into alleged crypto conflicts of interest within the agency. Amicus Curiae attorney John E. Deaton, who represented 75,000 XRP holders in the Ripple case, commented:

“We need to finish cleaning up the industry with full transparency of past transgressions including the SEC releasing the IG Report related to Bill Hinman and his infamous “Ether Speech” (his words, not mine). The investigation was conducted by the IG after it was recommended by Empower Oversight. I would expect Paul Atkins, Mark Uyeda, Hester Peirce, and others at the SEC to support making the report public.”

In February 2024, Empower Oversight, a US government watchdog group, stated the OIG was finalizing its investigation into crypto conflicts of interest at the SEC. The investigation centered on former SEC director William Hinman.

Empower Oversight alleged that William Hinman, former SEC Director of the Division of Corporation Finance, received millions in payments from his former law firm, Simpson Thacher, while working on crypto regulations. Simpson Thacher is part of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance. Hinman later returned to Simpson Thacher after leaving the SEC.

Why the OIG Investigation Matters

In 2018, Bill Hinman publicly stated that bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH) were not securities. The stance benefited ETH while harming XRP’s competitive position.

The SEC made multiple attempts during the Ripple case to shield William Hinman’s speech-related documents under the attorney-client privilege. However, the court ordered their release. The documents revealed that Hinman continued meetings with Simpson Thacher personnel despite warnings from the SEC Ethics Division.

The OIG submitted its findings to the SEC in December. However, former SEC Chair Gary Gensler kept them under wraps.

Despite calls for transparency, the findings remain unpublished. It is unclear whether the SEC will release it, wait until the Ripple case formally concludes, or keep the findings sealed.

John E. Deaton called on the media to pressure the agency into making the report public, stating:

“Maybe Laura and Unchained, CoinDesk, Cointelegraph, or Eleanor Terrett or other crypto media, can find out if the new SEC supports releasing the report.”

Making the findings public could underscore the SEC’s shift in approach to digital asset oversight and improve investor confidence.

XRP Price Outlook Hinges on SEC Activity

On Sunday, March 30, XRP snapped a five-day losing streak, rising 0.13% to close at $2.0922. XRP ended the week down 12.43% despite the SEC’s plans to withdraw its appeal, a potential settlement, and Ripple dropping its cross-appeal.

President Trump’s tariffs, hotter-than-expected US inflation numbers, and concerns about the global economy impacted risk assets, including cryptos. The total crypto market cap fell 4.99% to $2.63 trillion in the week ending March 30.

As attention turns to the OIG investigation, the formal resolution of the Ripple case remains critical for XRP’s outlook.

XRP’s price trend may hinge on:

• SEC vs. Ripple Court Filings: Final motions and withdrawal of injunctions could influence market sentiment.
• XRP-Spot ETF Prospects: With 18 XRP ETF applications under review, approval could lift XRP toward $3.5505. Delays may cap gains.
• Broader macro risks: Heightened trade tensions or US recession fears could drive XRP down to $1.7938. Reduced risk aversion may support a rebound toward $3.

Read expert analysis on what could drive XRP to new highs here.

Bitcoin Extends Losing Streak Amid Flight to Safety

XRP’s sell-off paralleled the broader crypto market losses. Bitcoin (BTC) extended its losing streak to three sessions on March 30 amid concerns over global trade tensions and monetary policy.

The Nasdaq Composite Index ended the week down 2.59%, while gold soared 2.03%, reaching a record high of $3,087.

These movements could reignite the debate on BTC’s status as digital gold. Ongoing losses may also dampen the momentum of the Bitcoin Act.

In March 2025, Senator Cynthia Lummis reintroduced the Bitcoin Act, proposing the US government acquire one million BTC over five years, with a 20-year holding mandate. But, recent volatility could raise questions about BTC’s reliability as a reserve asset.

Bitcoin Price Outlook: Key Scenarios

On March 30, BTC slipped 0.36%, following a 2.03% loss from the previous session, closing at $82,405.

Market conditions remained bleak in early Asian trading on March 31 as investors prepared for potential Trump tariff announcements. The Nikkei Index tumbled 3.43%, the Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 289 points, and gold struck a new high of 3,098.

Potential scenarios:

• Bearish Scenario: Heightened geopolitical risk, opposition to the Bitcoin Act, or sustained ETF outflows could drag BTC toward $70,000.
• Bullish Scenario: Strong macro data, easing trade tensions, bipartisan support for the Bitcoin Act, and healthy ETF inflows may drive BTC toward $109,312.

Market Outlook: Themes to Watch

The following macro and regulatory themes will continue influencing the crypto market direction:

• The outcome of the SEC vs. Ripple case.
• US trade policy developments.
• Legislative progress on the Bitcoin Act.
• US economic indicators.
• BTC-spot ETF flow dynamics.

While recent SEC decisions may reduce near-term uncertainty, a transparent and consistent regulatory path remains essential for long-term investor confidence.

Stay updated with our latest insights here.