Ripple SEC Case Paused as XRP ETF Momentum Builds
Ripple Labs’ legal standoff with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has entered a new phase, with both parties agreeing to pause an ongoing appeal for 60 days while settlement discussions continue.
At the same time, momentum is building in the market for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), with ETF analyst Nate Geraci stating there is little reason for regulators to deny approval. The convergence of legal de-escalation and increasing investor interest suggests that XRP could soon see more mainstream financial integration.
Ripple and SEC Hit Pause on Legal Battle Amid Settlement Talks and Political Shake-Up
The long-running legal saga between Ripple Labs and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appears to be heading toward a potential resolution, as an appellate court granted a joint request from both parties to pause an ongoing appeal for 60 days amid settlement negotiations.
According to an April 16 filing with the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the court officially approved a motion to hold the case “in abeyance,” allowing Ripple and the SEC time to negotiate a possible out-of-court settlement. The SEC is expected to submit a formal status update to the court by June 15.
The move marks a significant moment in the nearly five-year legal standoff that has had far-reaching implications across the cryptocurrency industry.
The SEC first filed suit against Ripple Labs and two of its top executives in December 2020, alleging that the company had conducted an unregistered securities offering through the sale of XRP, Ripple’s native cryptocurrency.
The case quickly became one of the most prominent enforcement actions in the digital asset space, with industry watchers viewing it as a bellwether for how the US government might treat other crypto assets.
In August 2024, a federal court ruled that Ripple was partially liable and ordered the firm to pay $125 million. Ripple and the SEC subsequently filed appeal and cross-appeal notices, aiming to challenge various aspects of the judgment. However, the legal tides began to shift when Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced in March 2025 that the SEC would no longer pursue its appeal, signaling a potential thaw in relations.
Political Winds Shift at the SEC
The apparent change in course comes on the heels of a dramatic political reshuffling in Washington. Following President Donald Trump’s return to office earlier this year, the SEC has undergone a leadership transition.
Former Chair Gary Gensler, known for his aggressive stance on digital assets, was replaced by Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, and as of April 9, Paul Atkins has been confirmed by the Senate as the new permanent chair.
Atkins, a former SEC commissioner and longtime advocate of lighter regulatory frameworks, is seen as far more crypto-friendly than his predecessor. During confirmation hearings, some lawmakers raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given Atkins’ sizable investments in crypto-related firms like Securitize, Pontoro, and Patomak.
The SEC under Trump’s administration has already begun dropping several high-profile crypto enforcement cases, indicating a significant regulatory pivot that could reshape how digital asset companies are treated in the United States. The Ripple case seems to be part of this broader reorientation.
Ripple has not shied away from playing the political game amid this legal drama. The blockchain company reportedly pledged $5 million in XRP to President Trump’s inauguration fund and has been visibly supportive of the administration. Garlinghouse and Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty have both been seen at Trump-related events in recent months.
The strategic alignment appears to be paying off. In March, Alderoty stated that Ripple would withdraw its cross-appeal and receive a refund of approximately $75 million from the $125 million fine previously imposed.
While the final terms of the settlement remain unclear, it’s evident that the ongoing negotiations could mark the end of one of the SEC’s most aggressive attempts to rein in the crypto sector.
Despite growing optimism around a resolution, several legal entanglements are still unresolved. The August 2024 ruling left some ambiguity regarding how XRP should be classified in the eyes of the law—an issue that could still impact other token-based projects in the US market.
Moreover, as Paul Atkins begins his tenure at the helm of the SEC, industry stakeholders are closely watching for signs of how enforcement priorities may change. Will the agency adopt a more hands-off approach, or will it continue to pursue crypto firms that run afoul of existing laws?
A Turning Point for Crypto Regulation?
The Ripple-SEC pause reflects more than just a legal ceasefire—it signals a potential turning point in how US regulatory agencies interact with the cryptocurrency industry.
As political winds shift and new leadership takes the reins at the SEC, crypto firms may find themselves navigating a regulatory landscape that is more open to innovation and less adversarial in tone.
XRP ETF Hype Grows as ETF Expert Nate Geraci Signals Imminent Approval
Meanwhile, the long-standing hope for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) is no longer just a speculative dream — it’s rapidly becoming a realistic and potentially imminent development. This week, one of the most influential voices in the ETF space, Nate Geraci, president of The ETF Store, made waves with a confident assertion: the approval of a spot XRP ETF is not only likely, but perhaps just around the corner.
Geraci, known for his measured and insightful commentary on ETF markets, broke his silence in a decisive manner. According to him, the current market structure and regulatory landscape present no clear justification for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to continue denying a spot XRP ETF.
What makes Geraci’s comments especially compelling is that they reflect tangible changes already underway in the market. XRP investment products — including leveraged ETFs — are already live and trading on regulated platforms.
While these are not spot ETFs, their successful launch and active trading volume represent a critical step forward in the maturation of XRP as an investable asset class.
Capital Flows Confirm Investor Appetite
Market data backs up the sentiment. According to digital asset investment firm CoinShares, XRP-linked investment products saw $3.4 million in inflows over the past week alone.
For April, net inflows already sit at $1.5 million — with a year-to-date figure climbing to $176 million. Even more impressive, total assets under management (AUM) in XRP-focused funds have now reached $883 million.
These numbers suggest that investors are not waiting for the SEC to make a move before positioning themselves. The capital is flowing in now — and that’s without a spot ETF even being approved. The data paints a clear narrative: anticipation is building and the market is preparing.
Regulatory Challenges Still Loom
However, not all hurdles have been cleared. While Geraci’s outlook is optimistic, the SEC has not yet formally ruled on any spot XRP ETF applications. The agency remains under pressure to apply consistent standards across crypto ETFs, especially in the wake of its historic approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs last year.
Many analysts believe the SEC’s next moves on crypto ETFs will be shaped by a mix of market pressure, political will, and institutional readiness. In this regard, XRP is gaining ground — but it’s not over the finish line just yet.
For now, XRP holders and institutional investors have reason to watch the SEC’s next steps closely. The growing momentum, as evidenced by both Geraci’s endorsement and the rising capital inflows, marks a major turning point in the XRP ETF narrative.
While it’s still too early to celebrate, the convergence of legal clarity, market demand, and evolving regulatory posture is creating a path that could finally lead to the long-awaited approval of a spot XRP ETF.
If that happens, XRP could follow in the footsteps of Bitcoin and Ethereum as the next major digital asset to earn institutional validation through a US-listed spot ETF — a development that would be nothing short of historic for Ripple and the broader crypto market.
Ripple SEC Case Paused as XRP ETF Momentum Builds
Ripple Labs’ legal standoff with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has entered a new phase, with both parties agreeing to pause an ongoing appeal for 60 days while settlement discussions continue.
At the same time, momentum is building in the market for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), with ETF analyst Nate Geraci stating there is little reason for regulators to deny approval. The convergence of legal de-escalation and increasing investor interest suggests that XRP could soon see more mainstream financial integration.
Ripple and SEC Hit Pause on Legal Battle Amid Settlement Talks and Political Shake-Up
The long-running legal saga between Ripple Labs and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appears to be heading toward a potential resolution, as an appellate court granted a joint request from both parties to pause an ongoing appeal for 60 days amid settlement negotiations.
According to an April 16 filing with the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the court officially approved a motion to hold the case “in abeyance,” allowing Ripple and the SEC time to negotiate a possible out-of-court settlement. The SEC is expected to submit a formal status update to the court by June 15.
The move marks a significant moment in the nearly five-year legal standoff that has had far-reaching implications across the cryptocurrency industry.
The SEC first filed suit against Ripple Labs and two of its top executives in December 2020, alleging that the company had conducted an unregistered securities offering through the sale of XRP, Ripple’s native cryptocurrency.
The case quickly became one of the most prominent enforcement actions in the digital asset space, with industry watchers viewing it as a bellwether for how the US government might treat other crypto assets.
In August 2024, a federal court ruled that Ripple was partially liable and ordered the firm to pay $125 million. Ripple and the SEC subsequently filed appeal and cross-appeal notices, aiming to challenge various aspects of the judgment. However, the legal tides began to shift when Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced in March 2025 that the SEC would no longer pursue its appeal, signaling a potential thaw in relations.
Political Winds Shift at the SEC
The apparent change in course comes on the heels of a dramatic political reshuffling in Washington. Following President Donald Trump’s return to office earlier this year, the SEC has undergone a leadership transition.
Former Chair Gary Gensler, known for his aggressive stance on digital assets, was replaced by Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, and as of April 9, Paul Atkins has been confirmed by the Senate as the new permanent chair.
Atkins, a former SEC commissioner and longtime advocate of lighter regulatory frameworks, is seen as far more crypto-friendly than his predecessor. During confirmation hearings, some lawmakers raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given Atkins’ sizable investments in crypto-related firms like Securitize, Pontoro, and Patomak.
The SEC under Trump’s administration has already begun dropping several high-profile crypto enforcement cases, indicating a significant regulatory pivot that could reshape how digital asset companies are treated in the United States. The Ripple case seems to be part of this broader reorientation.
Ripple has not shied away from playing the political game amid this legal drama. The blockchain company reportedly pledged $5 million in XRP to President Trump’s inauguration fund and has been visibly supportive of the administration. Garlinghouse and Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty have both been seen at Trump-related events in recent months.
The strategic alignment appears to be paying off. In March, Alderoty stated that Ripple would withdraw its cross-appeal and receive a refund of approximately $75 million from the $125 million fine previously imposed.
While the final terms of the settlement remain unclear, it’s evident that the ongoing negotiations could mark the end of one of the SEC’s most aggressive attempts to rein in the crypto sector.
Despite growing optimism around a resolution, several legal entanglements are still unresolved. The August 2024 ruling left some ambiguity regarding how XRP should be classified in the eyes of the law—an issue that could still impact other token-based projects in the US market.
Moreover, as Paul Atkins begins his tenure at the helm of the SEC, industry stakeholders are closely watching for signs of how enforcement priorities may change. Will the agency adopt a more hands-off approach, or will it continue to pursue crypto firms that run afoul of existing laws?
A Turning Point for Crypto Regulation?
The Ripple-SEC pause reflects more than just a legal ceasefire—it signals a potential turning point in how US regulatory agencies interact with the cryptocurrency industry.
As political winds shift and new leadership takes the reins at the SEC, crypto firms may find themselves navigating a regulatory landscape that is more open to innovation and less adversarial in tone.
XRP ETF Hype Grows as ETF Expert Nate Geraci Signals Imminent Approval
Meanwhile, the long-standing hope for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) is no longer just a speculative dream — it’s rapidly becoming a realistic and potentially imminent development. This week, one of the most influential voices in the ETF space, Nate Geraci, president of The ETF Store, made waves with a confident assertion: the approval of a spot XRP ETF is not only likely, but perhaps just around the corner.
Geraci, known for his measured and insightful commentary on ETF markets, broke his silence in a decisive manner. According to him, the current market structure and regulatory landscape present no clear justification for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to continue denying a spot XRP ETF.
What makes Geraci’s comments especially compelling is that they reflect tangible changes already underway in the market. XRP investment products — including leveraged ETFs — are already live and trading on regulated platforms.
While these are not spot ETFs, their successful launch and active trading volume represent a critical step forward in the maturation of XRP as an investable asset class.
Capital Flows Confirm Investor Appetite
Market data backs up the sentiment. According to digital asset investment firm CoinShares, XRP-linked investment products saw $3.4 million in inflows over the past week alone.
For April, net inflows already sit at $1.5 million — with a year-to-date figure climbing to $176 million. Even more impressive, total assets under management (AUM) in XRP-focused funds have now reached $883 million.
These numbers suggest that investors are not waiting for the SEC to make a move before positioning themselves. The capital is flowing in now — and that’s without a spot ETF even being approved. The data paints a clear narrative: anticipation is building and the market is preparing.
Regulatory Challenges Still Loom
However, not all hurdles have been cleared. While Geraci’s outlook is optimistic, the SEC has not yet formally ruled on any spot XRP ETF applications. The agency remains under pressure to apply consistent standards across crypto ETFs, especially in the wake of its historic approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs last year.
Many analysts believe the SEC’s next moves on crypto ETFs will be shaped by a mix of market pressure, political will, and institutional readiness. In this regard, XRP is gaining ground — but it’s not over the finish line just yet.
For now, XRP holders and institutional investors have reason to watch the SEC’s next steps closely. The growing momentum, as evidenced by both Geraci’s endorsement and the rising capital inflows, marks a major turning point in the XRP ETF narrative.
While it’s still too early to celebrate, the convergence of legal clarity, market demand, and evolving regulatory posture is creating a path that could finally lead to the long-awaited approval of a spot XRP ETF.
If that happens, XRP could follow in the footsteps of Bitcoin and Ethereum as the next major digital asset to earn institutional validation through a US-listed spot ETF — a development that would be nothing short of historic for Ripple and the broader crypto market.