The ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) remains a major focus in the crypto industry, as the regulatory agency persists with its appeal. While the SEC has requested pauses in several other crypto-related lawsuits, it has notably excluded Ripple from these delays.
This selective approach has raised questions about why the case against Ripple remains a priority, even as the regulatory landscape shifts under new leadership.
Ripple’s Case Remains a Priority for the SEC
According to Fox Business legal sources, the SEC prioritizes cases with pressing court deadlines. Ripple had proposed an April 16 deadline for its opening brief in the cross-appeal, while the SEC proceeded with its appeal, filing its brief in mid-January.
Notably, this filing came just days before SEC Chair Gary Gensler resigned, a development that many in the crypto community believed could lead to a softer regulatory stance. However, the SEC’s commitment to the Ripple lawsuit remains unchanged, suggesting that it still views the case as a significant legal battle.
Selective Case Pauses and Ripple’s Response
Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett reported that the SEC’s decision to continue the Ripple case is linked to its focus on cases with more immediate deadlines.
For instance:
- Kraken’s case has a March 31 deadline.
- Lejilex’s lawsuit is paused until April 11.
- Binance’s case is delayed for 60 days until April 14.
- Coinbase has agreed to an extended deadline with the SEC until March 14.
Despite these delays granted to other crypto firms, the SEC has refused to halt Ripple’s proceedings.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has been vocal in criticizing the SEC’s persistence, calling the agency’s actions “the definition of insanity.” Similarly, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty dismissed the SEC’s arguments as “noise,” emphasizing that non-fraud cases like Ripple’s should not be a priority.
Many industry experts speculate that new leadership at the SEC could lead to a dismissal of the Ripple lawsuit altogether.
Could New SEC Leadership Change the Ripple Lawsuit’s Outcome?
As the SEC prepares for new leadership, speculation continues over whether the Ripple lawsuit could be deprioritized or even withdrawn.
According to Fox Business reports former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins is a leading candidate to replace Gary Gensler. Known for his crypto-friendly views, Atkins’ appointment could mark a major shift in the SEC’s approach to digital asset regulations.
Legal experts believe that if Atkins takes over, the SEC’s stance on Ripple might change, and the agency could drop its appeal entirely. Ripple’s legal team has even suggested that the case may be voluntarily withdrawn in 2025.
For now, however, the SEC remains firm in its pursuit of Ripple, despite its willingness to delay other crypto-related lawsuits.
Conclusion
The SEC’s decision to continue its legal battle against Ripple while postponing other cases raises questions about its priorities. While new leadership could bring a shift in strategy, the agency remains committed to pressing forward with its appeal.
As regulatory dynamics continue to evolve, investors and legal experts will closely watch whether a change in SEC leadership could finally bring an end to this high-profile lawsuit.
Reece Conner
Reece Conner is a leading expert in the cryptocurrency industry, known for delivering cutting-edge insights and practical guidance to both newcomers and seasoned investors. With a background in finance and technology, Conner bridges the gap between complex blockchain concepts and real-world applications.