The crypto community lit up with renewed hope this week as Paul Atkins, long seen as a crypto-friendly voice, officially took the helm as Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The move triggered a wave of speculation that Ripple’s years-long legal battle with the SEC could be nearing a long-awaited conclusion. But not everyone is convinced the tides are turning just yet.
Not Everyone’s Buying the Optimism
Pro-XRP legal advocate Fred Rispoli wasted no time in framing Atkins’ appointment as a pivotal moment. “There are no more excuses,” Rispoli stated, emphasizing that the incoming leadership must now demonstrate whether the agency’s pro-crypto sentiments are more than just lip service.
However, James Farrell, a former SEC attorney, poured cold water on the hype. He argued that the absence of Atkins wasn’t a bottleneck for recent SEC decisions. In fact, the agency had already approved case dismissals and Ripple’s joint stay request before Atkins’ appointment. According to Farrell, the real holdup is more likely rooted in procedural strategy, not politics.
Behind the scenes, the SEC could be drafting final proposals or gathering inter-agency feedback. And that means the wheels are turning—just not as fast as traders might hope.
Ripple vs SEC: The Settlement Clock Is Ticking
The latest twist in the Ripple case came last week when the U.S. Court of Appeals approved a mutual stay in the ongoing appeals. That pause gives both parties breathing room to negotiate what many believe is the final settlement phase.
The court has now mandated that the SEC submit a status update within 60 days—a clear signal that things are progressing behind closed doors, albeit at a measured pace.
Analysts say this timeline aligns with the SEC’s broader effort to reshape its stance on digital assets without rushing legal precedent.
While some traders are interpreting the pause as a bullish signal, legal experts caution against reading too much into it. The XRP case has become a legal benchmark for how far U.S. regulators will stretch securities law over crypto, and no one’s rushing to finalize the playbook.
XRP Price Holds Steady, But Sentiment Is Shifting
As of today, XRP is trading at $2.23, jumping over 7.8% in 24 hours. Still, it hit an intraday high of $2.25, and trading volume climbed 105% to $4.9 billion, indicating growing interest despite the current consolidation zone.
Most market watchers expect a breakout if the lawsuit resolves cleanly. But with technical resistance near $2.3 and legal uncertainty still looming, the bulls may have to be patient a little longer.
Conclusion: A Slow Burn Toward Resolution
Paul Atkins’ arrival may symbolize a shift, but insiders warn against assuming it’ll accelerate the XRP case. While optimism is warranted, seasoned voices are urging the community to prepare for a steady, rather than sudden, resolution.
For now, XRP remains trapped between legal nuance and market speculation, and all eyes are on that 60-day clock ticking down.
