Ripple Wins Big: SEC Drops Appeal in Landmark Crypto Case
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency world, Ripple Labs CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced on March 19, 2025, that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ended its appeal in the long-standing lawsuit against Ripple. This decision marks a significant victory for Ripple and could have far-reaching implications for the broader crypto industry.
The Background: A Four-Year Battle The SEC first filed its lawsuit against Ripple in December 2020, alleging that the company had raised $1.3 billion through the unregistered sale of XRP, which the agency claimed was a security. This classification would have subjected Ripple to strict securities regulations, potentially crippling its operations. The case has been closely watched by the crypto community, as its outcome could set a precedent for how digital assets are regulated in the U.S.