Ripple, SEC End Litigation Over XRP Sales

Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have agreed to drop their respective appeals, bringing their long-running legal dispute over XRP sales to a close. Judge Analisa Torres had previously denied their joint request to dissolve the court's injunction and reduce Ripple’s $125 million penalty, maintaining that Ripple violated securities laws in institutional sales but not in secondary market transactions. The court's rulings provide legal clarity for XRP's status in the U.S., with Ripple prohibited from selling securities to retail investors and required to pay a civil penalty, although the exact amount may still be finalized. This outcome is seen as significant for the broader cryptocurrency industry, helping to clarify the regulatory framework for digital assets. The conclusion of the case is expected to boost market confidence in XRP following years of uncertainty. Judge Torres reiterated that penalties serve the public interest and cannot be vacated by private agreement.