The legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appears to be nearing its conclusion, with reports suggesting that both parties are finalizing the terms of a resolution.
The lawsuit, which dates back to 2020, accused Ripple of selling XRP without registering it as a security. Although a 2024 ruling granted Ripple a partial victory, the company was still ordered to pay a $125 million fine.
According to Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett, negotiations have prolonged the finalization of the case, as both sides work through specific details—particularly regarding the financial penalty. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, Terrett indicated that Ripple’s legal team is pushing for more favorable terms.
A key point of contention revolves around whether Ripple should accept the previous court ruling, which not only imposed the hefty fine but also prohibited the company from selling XRP to institutional investors.
Reportedly, Ripple’s argument is that if the SEC is shifting its stance on crypto enforcement under new leadership, firms previously targeted should not be held to past penalties. Agreeing to the court’s decision as it stands might imply an admission of wrongdoing, even as the SEC itself appears to be reassessing its regulatory approach.
Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, the resolution process has taken longer than expected. Legal analyst Jeremy Hogan, who has closely followed the case, recently speculated that a final decision could arrive by May.
