XRP Lawsuit: What Happens If Paul Atkins Drops The Ripple Vs SEC Case?

The long-running SEC v Ripple case is once again on the investors’ radar now, with crypto-friendly Paul Atkins gearing up to take over SEC Chairman responsibilities from outgoing Gary Gensler. Simultaneously, the January 15 deadline for the US SEC to file an opening brief in the XRP lawsuit in the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals has also fueled the market discussions. Amid this, top experts and lawyers have shared key insights on what lies ahead for the ongoing and long running case.

Incoming SEC Chair Paul Atkins to Dismiss XRP Lawsuit

The crypto market, especially Bitcoin and XRP, has seen a paradigm shift after Donald Trump’s presidential election win. Moreover, pro-crypto Trump administration formation, including Paul Atkins’s nomination as SEC Chairman further sparked bullish sentiment in the crypto market.

This includes positive developments towards Ripple case dismissal or withdrawal and reduces former SEC Director Bill Hinman’s influence in the agency. Experts including pro-XRP lawyers Jeremy Hogan, Fred Rispoli, and  Bill Morgan cleared that there are high odds of XRP lawsuit dismissal under incoming SEC Chair Paul Atkins. This could lead to a rally in XRP price.

Moreover, an ethics investigation into SEC Corporation Finance Director Bill Hinman is now completed and issued to management. It is important to note that Ripple CLO Stuart Alderoty urged the incoming administration to “cleanse the lingering stain of Hinman from the agency.” He suggested starting with restoring trust in the SEC as Atkins works to repair the damage done under Gary Gensler.

The Digital Chamber said:

“The SEC has the opportunity to reset its historically troubled relationship with the industry This week, members of TDC’s Token Alliance Leadership Committee presented our 2025 SEC Digital Asset Policy Priorities to SEC staff.”

Recently, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce confirmed a major shift from a regulation-by-enforcement approach. “We have a big toolkit,” she said earlier this month during an appearance at the Blockchain Association Policy Summit.

Ripple Case Appeals Opening Brief Deadline Nears

The SEC must file its appeal opening brief in the Ripple case by January 15, while the overall mood is on the lawsuit’s end. However, some believe Gensler to play his last major card in the Ripple vs SEC lawsuit as he leaves office, five days after the appeals opening brief deadline.

Notably, the SEC under Gensler has already filed an 81-page filing in Binance lawsuit opposing dismissal, what Ripple CLO called “failed arguments.” Gensler continues to affirm his claim that crypto has no inherent value.

Meanwhile, most experts including crypto executives are upbeat on appeals dismissal or withdrawal, which could lead to XRP price rally to $3 and higher. They believe the SEC under Gary Gensler went after crypto companies with their much-criticized regulation-by-enforcement approach. However, the new SEC should flip the script and work on pro-crypto Donald Trump’s agenda. The community also expects XRP ETF approval under the new SEC.

Another long-running XRP lawsuit approaches an end, with the appeals court announcing the scheduled date. Ripple and CEO Brad Garlinghouse are to submit a reply in April.