Ripple vs. SEC: The Endgame is Near – Could This Mark the Final Chapter?

• Ripple may settle or withdraw its appeal as the April 16 deadline with the SEC finally arrives.
• Brad Garlinghouse confirms agreement with the SEC, expecting Commissioner approval.
• XRP ruling could set a precedent and reshape crypto regulations across the U.S. market.

The most anticipated day has finally arrived. This day, April 16, marks a pivotal day in the legal drama between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The XRP community wait in anticipation as Ripple is set to either submit its appellate brief or announce a settlement or withdraw its appeal entirely.  

According to sources , Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had confirmed an agreement with the SEC to dismiss the case. Notably, Garlinghouse had confirmed that the case is awaiting Commissioner approval. If approved, the historic lawsuit between the regulatory agency and the crypto exchange would conclude after 4+ years. 

The Appellate Brief and Possible Settlement

Following the SEC’s appeal of a previous court ruling, Ripple had been given a deadline of April 16 to submit an appellate brief. However, according to legal experts closely following the case, Ripple is unlikely to file the brief, but would rather announce a settlement or withdraw the appeal entirely. 

In an earlier post on X, Garlinghouse stated that the firm is moving past the SEC war and entering a new phase of the market, wherein true institutional flows are integrating with decentralized finance. The Ripple CEO stated these comments following Paul Atkins’ confirmation as the SEC Chair. This development could mark a significant turning point that has kept XRP’s future in limbo.

Although Ripple hasn’t disclosed any specifics about the agreement, some assume it included non-public written assurances from the SEC. Even though public statements suggest a resolution to the issue, there has not been an official filing confirming the settlement so far.

Impact of Paul Atkins’ Appointment as SEC Chair

The confirmation of Paul Atkins as the SEC Chair may have a major impact on the resolution of this lawsuit. Some legal observers argue his confirmation could impact the Commission’s stance on the case, whereas if he supports dropping the charges in the case, it would be concluded earlier, and Ripple would be spared further legal drama. If everything falls in place, the end of one of the most watched legal battles in cryptocurrency could be closed with a 3–1 vote.

Meanwhile, this resolution cannot be ignored when it comes to political timing. The outcome could be affected by the potential shift in SEC leadership. The fallout of the Ripple and SEC settlement might signal to the wider cryptocurrency community regarding the future of digital asset regulation in the U.S. If the case ends in a dismissal or settlement, it would be a major victory for Ripple and its supporters.

Related: Paul Atkins Confirmed SEC Chair: What His Deregulatory Past Means for Crypto

The forthcoming decision could end the uncertainty for XRP holders. If Ripple resolves this case, it could increase confidence in Ripple and XRP and restore the token’s reputation. Further, the ruling also impacts other cryptocurrencies, as the decision regarding XRP’s status can set a precedent.

The cryptocurrency sector diligently follows this case because its success depends heavily on Ripple and other market participants. The April 16 deadline continues to increase the pressure surrounding the situation. Should Ripple prevail, the case would not only be a win for XRP but a potential turning point for the future of crypto regulation in the U.S.