Ripple (XRP) vs. SEC Case Nearing Conclusion - But Ripple Wants a Better Deal

Sources Say Ripple is Pushing Back on $125M Fine and Injunction as Negotiations Drag On

The long-running legal battle between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs may finally be nearing its end, but insiders say a key sticking point is holding up a resolution.

Journalist Eleanor Terrett reported today that two well-placed sources have confirmed the case is in the process of wrapping up, though the delay stems from Ripple's legal team negotiating for more favorable terms. The dispute centers around the August district court ruling, which not only imposed a hefty $125 million fine on Ripple but also included a permanent injunction preventing the company from selling XRP to institutional investors.

Why Is Ripple Holding Out?

According to Terrett, Ripple is questioning why it should accept penalties from a previous SEC administration when the agency’s new leadership appears to be reconsidering its entire approach to crypto enforcement. If the SEC is now open to wiping the slate clean for other targeted crypto firms in the name of regulatory clarity, why should Ripple be forced to admit to wrongdoing?

This echoes a theory recently shared by legal analyst MetaLawMan, who suggested that the delay might not be due to the SEC but rather Ripple’s efforts to have parts of Judge Analisa Torres’ ruling vacated. While the ruling was a win for XRP holders, it also included findings of securities law violations and restrictive provisions that could create issues for Ripple in the future - especially if the company is considering an IPO or another securities offering down the line.

A Settlement on the Horizon?

If the SEC had its way, the case might have been settled already. MetaLawMan speculated that the agency would have gladly accepted a deal where both sides dropped their appeals and Ripple simply paid the $125 million fine. However, Ripple appears to be holding out for a better deal - one that doesn’t leave a stain on its record or limit its future business operations.

There’s no clear precedent for this kind of situation, which may explain why the case is taking longer to resolve compared to other crypto-related enforcement actions. But if both sides are indeed in the final stages of negotiations, as Terrett’s sources suggest, a resolution could be coming soon.

For now, the crypto community is watching closely, waiting to see whether Ripple can secure a more favorable outcome - or if it will ultimately have to accept the SEC’s terms.