XRP surged nearly 14% after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is dropping its appeal in the long-standing case against the company. The news sparked an immediate rally, pushing XRP to highs of $2.59 before settling around $2.57.
The SEC initially sued Ripple in 2020, alleging that XRP was sold as an unregistered security. In a landmark 2023 ruling, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres determined that XRP was not a security when sold to retail investors but was considered one when sold to institutions. While the ruling provided some clarity, the SEC had signaled its intent to appeal portions of the decision.
Garlinghouse, speaking at the Digital Assets Summit in New York, criticized the SEC’s actions, stating that the legal battle had been a “painful journey” but that Ripple had ultimately been “on the right side of the law and history.” Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty also emphasized that this resolution sets a precedent for the U.S. crypto industry.
XRP, the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, saw an immediate spike in price following the announcement. The coin surged from a low of $2.26 earlier in the day to $2.59 before stabilizing. Over the past week, XRP has gained 14%, adding to its 22% rise year-to-date. The resolution of the legal uncertainty has fueled bullish sentiment, with traders eyeing further upside potential.
While the SEC has dropped its appeal, legal experts caution that certain details remain unresolved. Ripple may still choose to pursue its own appeal regarding the classification of institutional sales, or it may opt to settle the case by paying a $125 million fine. The final legal resolution could influence XRP’s regulatory standing and future adoption, particularly in the U.S.
With the SEC retreating from several high-profile crypto enforcement actions—including cases against Coinbase, Robinhood, and Uniswap—the regulatory environment appears to be shifting. The newly formed SEC crypto task force is expected to provide further clarity on digital asset classifications, which could benefit XRP and the broader market.
For traders, XRP’s price movement now hinges on broader crypto sentiment and Ripple’s next steps. With legal uncertainty easing, XRP could see increased institutional and retail interest, setting the stage for potential further gains.
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James Hyerczyk is a U.S. based seasoned technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading, specializing in chart patterns and price movement. He is the author of two books on technical analysis and has a background in both futures and stock markets.