- A closed-door meeting is scheduled for today between the SEC and Ripple, and could result in an outcome of the lawsuit.
- A withdrawal of the SEC’s appeal could trigger institutional adoption and pave the way for a Ripple IPO, opening up new opportunities in the cryptocurrency market.
The XRP community is on edge as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prepares for another closed-door meeting on February 13, 2025. This marks the third consecutive weekly session under the Sunshine Act, with speculation running high over a possible resolution to the long-standing Ripple lawsuit.
The Ripple lawsuit, which has shaped cryptocurrency regulation since December 2020, began when the SEC accused Ripple of selling XRP as an unregistered security and filed a lawsuit. In July 2023, a court ruled that XRP sales to institutional investors were considered securities, while sales on exchanges were not. However, the SEC appealed the decision, challenging the ruling. Later on, Ripple requested a deadline of April 16, 2025, to submit its official response in the ongoing case.
Key Topics on the Agenda
The SEC’s meeting will address several critical issues, many of which are directly linked to the Ripple case, including the institution and settlement of administrative proceedings, injunctive actions, and litigation claims, as well as other matters related to enforcement proceedings and examinations. The emphasis on injunctive actions and litigation settlements makes this meeting particularly significant for Ripple and XRP holders, as it could determine the future regulatory stance on the asset.
A favorable outcome could trigger an XRP rally, potentially pushing the cryptocurrency toward a new all-time high. On the other hand, if the SEC chooses to proceed with its enforcement actions, XRP’s price could face a major drop. With the U.S. government signaling a more crypto-friendly approach, optimism remains that the case will conclude positively.
Beyond just price movements, a settlement could unlock major opportunities for Ripple and XRP. It could pave the way for a long-anticipated Ripple IPO, which has been delayed due to regulatory uncertainty. Additionally, financial institutions like WisdomTree, Bitwise, 21Shares, and Canary Capital have filed for XRP-based Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), signaling growing institutional interest. A resolution could lead to a more favorable tax environment for XRP investors and holders and the approval of the XRP ETFs.
Meanwhile, legal developments continue beyond Ripple. Binance and the SEC recently filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, requesting a 60-day stay. If granted, this move would temporarily halt the legal proceedings initiated against Binance two years ago under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.
This shift in approach comes as the SEC undergoes leadership changes under the new Trump administration. With Donald Trump as the president, Paul Atkins has been nominated as the new SEC Chairman, replacing Gary Gensler. Legal experts believe the SEC may delay further action against Ripple until Atkins’ confirmation is finalized.
XRP has gained 3.52% in the last 24 hours, reaching $2.44, which is still 28.31% below its all-time high of $3.40. Over the past seven days, XRP has increased by 1.00%, outperforming the global cryptocurrency market, which has seen a more modest 0.40% gain.
