This development comes as the SEC has shifted its stance on crypto regulation under the new leadership of Chair Paul Atkins, appointed in April 2025.

Reactions from the crypto community are mixed, with some seeing the settlement as a positive step, while others remain concerned about the politicized climate affecting the industry.

Ripple has reached a settlement with the SEC, agreeing to pay $50 million of the originally proposed $125 million penalty, with $75 million to be returned to the company.

The SEC emphasized that the settlement does not indicate a judgment on the merits of the case nor set a precedent for future cryptocurrency cases.

The legal battle, which began in 2020 under former SEC Chair Jay Clayton, involved appeals from both the SEC and Ripple before this settlement was finalized.

The SEC has filed a proposed settlement to resolve its civil enforcement action against Ripple and its executives, including CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Executive Chairman Chris Larsen.

The settlement is viewed as a potential precedent for future cryptocurrency legal cases, encouraging other companies to pursue negotiated settlements.

With the lawsuit concluded and a portion of the penalty returned, Ripple is expected to ramp up its acquisition strategy both in the U.S. and internationally.

Judge Analisa Torres previously ruled that Ripple's sales of XRP on public exchanges did not violate securities laws, although the company was found liable for direct sales to institutional investors.

Despite the settlement announcement, analysts suggest it could take several months for the lawsuit to be fully resolved, pending Judge Torres's approval.

Following the news of the settlement, XRP's price rose by nearly 10%, reflecting a positive market reaction.

XRP's price has seen fluctuations recently, influenced by broader market trends, but significant long-term increases remain uncertain.