Legal experts are weighing in on when the long-running legal battle between Ripple and the SEC might finally conclude. The recent developments in other cases are fueling speculation of a quick resolution.
A Spring Settlement?
Legal analyst Jeremy Hogan thinks a settlement could happen as early as April or May. He points to the SEC’s decision to drop its case against Coinbase as a major factor. This wasn’t just a settlement; the SEC completely withdrew the case, suggesting a shift in strategy. Hogan believes this indicates the SEC might be prioritizing resolving its other crypto cases, with Ripple being next on the list. Another expert, former SEC official John Reed Stark, agrees, predicting a similar outcome for the Ripple lawsuit.
The SEC also paused its case against Binance for 60 days, further supporting the idea of a more collaborative approach to crypto regulation. This contrasts sharply with the aggressive enforcement tactics under the previous SEC administration. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also expressed optimism, suggesting the SEC is eager to move past the previous administration’s failed strategies.
Why It Might Not Be So Simple
While many are optimistic, not everyone thinks a quick settlement is guaranteed. Expert Sherrie notes that the Ripple case is more complex than the Coinbase case, primarily due to Judge Analisa Torres’s previous ruling against Ripple, including a $125 million penalty.
Sherrie suggests a possible scenario where both Ripple and the SEC work towards reducing this penalty. This might involve dropping their respective appeals and returning to the district court to request a revised penalty from Judge Torres. This approach significantly reduces the chances of the case going to a higher court.
The Bottom Line
While a definitive timeline remains uncertain, the recent developments strongly suggest the Ripple vs. SEC case is heading towards a resolution sooner rather than later. Whether it’s a swift settlement or a more drawn-out process involving penalty adjustments, the end of this saga seems to be in sight.
