18th March 2025 – (New York) As Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approaches a critical juncture, speculation of a potential settlement has intensified. With the 16th April deadline for Ripple’s reply brief in the SEC’s appeal process looming, rumours of an SEC withdrawal from the case have been swirling across the cryptocurrency community.
Crypto commentator Andrew Parish suggested on social media that the case could be nearing a resolution, citing SEC insiders who anticipate a reduced fine for Ripple and a possible shift in XRP’s classification toward commodity status. This follows earlier reports indicating that Ripple’s legal team is negotiating more favourable terms, including a reduction to the $125 million fine and the removal of a permanent injunction barring institutional XRP sales.
Market reactions, however, remain muted as investors await definitive news. On March 17, XRP gained 1.96%, closing at $2.3402, yet it remains well below its January 2025 peak of $3.3999 and its all-time high of $3.5505. Analysts suggest that an SEC appeal withdrawal could significantly improve the regulatory landscape, potentially bolstering the likelihood of an XRP-spot ETF approval. Institutional interest in such a product could drive XRP’s price toward $5, but ongoing legal uncertainties and macroeconomic risks, including a hawkish Federal Reserve and rising trade tensions, may limit near-term gains.
