Ripple CLO Outlines Next Steps as Cross Appeal Against SEC Heats Up

• The SEC’s withdrawal strengthens Ripple’s legal position and boosts XRP’s chances of securing ETF approval.
• Ripple’s potential cross-appeal could redefine legal precedents for cryptocurrency classification and regulation.

As recently discussed in a Reuters update, Ripple Labs has announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has withdrawn its appeal in the longstanding case against the company. This case, initiated in December 2020, accused Ripple of selling XRP as an unregistered security.

The withdrawal signifies a pivotal victory for Ripple and the broader cryptocurrency industry, potentially setting a precedent for future regulatory approaches. In addition, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty emphasized:

Ripple is now in the driver’s seat, and we’ll evaluate how best to pursue our cross-appeal. Regardless, today is a day to celebrate.

Ripple’s Strategic Legal Maneuvers

In a tweet, Stuart Alderoty, also expressed optimism about the SEC’s decision but emphasized that Ripple is evaluating its options regarding a cross-appeal. This cross-appeal pertains to a $125 million penalty and an injunction restricting Ripple’s institutional XRP sales.

Today, Ripple moves forward—stronger than ever. This landmark case set a precedent for the domestic crypto industry.

With the SEC dropping its appeal, Ripple is now in the driver's seat and we’ll evaluate how best to pursue our cross appeal. Regardless, today is a day to… https://t.co/NLgmiRrcjx

— Stuart Alderoty (@s_alderoty) March 19, 2025

Ripple’s Legal Strategy Moving Forward

As previously highlighted by CNF, Professor Reiners stressed the need for Congress to address the regulatory gap in the crypto spot market. With the SEC no longer actively pressing charges against Ripple, the company is in a much stronger position to deliberate on its legal standing.

Ripple’s next moves could involve further pursuit of a cross-appeal, which may lead to a definitive determination from a higher court on whether investment contracts require specific contracts.

Alternatively, Ripple may choose to forgo an appeal and instead negotiate a settlement with the SEC to reduce the remaining fine and injunction. This could provide greater regulatory clarity for Ripple and XRP moving forward.

XRP ETF Prospects Brighten and Market Reacts Favorably

According to ETF.com, the SEC’s decision has positively impacted the potential approval of XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Several prominent firms, including Franklin Templeton, have filed applications for XRP ETFs, reflecting growing institutional interest.

The resolution of Ripple’s legal challenges enhances the likelihood of these ETFs receiving regulatory approval, potentially broadening investor access to XRP.

The cryptocurrency market has responded positively to these developments. XRP’s price surged approximately 9.05% in the past day and 12% in the past week, reaching nearly $2.56 following the announcement. This uptick reflects renewed investor confidence in XRP’s regulatory clarity and future prospects. See XRP price chart below.