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Highlights
- The Ripple vs SEC lawsuit rumors reignited as 500 million XRP was unlocked from escrow.
- However, legal experts deem a settlement unlikely at this stage of the lawsuit.
- Meanwhile, they have suggested that the remedies phase ruling may come in the first half of August.
The XRP SEC settlement rumors reignited as Ripple saw a massive release of its native token from escrow. The large unlock has fueled speculation about a possible settlement in the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, it caused a downturn in XRP price.
Lawyers Weigh In On XRP SEC Settlement
A total of 1 billion XRP, valued at approximately $579.43 million, was unlocked on Friday. This move led to an 8% slump in XRP price. Moreover, as cautioned by Coingape earlier XRP price breached the $0.6 psychological support level.
The SEC has sought a substantial $1 billion (plus interest) penalty from Ripple for alleged violations. Whilst, the blockchain firm has indicated it is willing to settle for no more than $10 million.
Last week, pro-XRP attorney Bill Morgan described a potential XRP SEC settlement as “unlikely.” However, he suggested that if it occurs, it would be a compromise rather than a significant victory. Morgan emphasized, “Settlements generally end matters in dispute including appeal rights in the current proceedings.” Nevertheless, he pointed out that Ripple might face challenges related to XRP sales beyond December 2020 and future sales of the token.
Moreover, ex-SEC lawyer Marc Fagel has reinforced his stance that the rumored XRP SEC meeting is a hoax. He SEC’s closed-door meetings are unrelated to the ongoing Ripple lawsuit. He also predicted that the Ripple vs. SEC settlement is unlikely as neither party will settle. Also, he foresees appeals from both sides after the ruling. Moreover, Fagel highlighted the SEC’s exorbitant penalty may not be fulfilled, indicating ease for the blockchain firm.
Also Read: Just-In: Elon Musk Faces Legal Hurdles Amid X’s Content Deal Cancelation
Appeals After XRP Lawsuit Final Remedies Ruling
The timing of the unlock also coincides with heightened anticipation around a ruling in the XRP lawsuit remedies phase. Previously, the potential ruling was expected on July 31. However, legal experts now predict it may be delivered in August, possibly in the first half.
Wealth advisor Mickle and others consider the SEC’s case against Ripple to be weak, citing the firm’s previous legal victories. Despite this, the prospect of both parties appealing earlier decisions remains, complicating the resolution of the case.
Mickle also mentioned that the political climate, including a Democrat shift toward pro-crypto policies, might influence the likelihood of an appeal. He noted that the blockchain payments firm is unlikely to appeal after the remedies phase ruling. This statement comes on a backdrop of the Kamala Harris campaign attempting a crypto reset.
Conversely, Morgan argued that if legal considerations alone guide the decision, appeals from both parties remain likely. Morgan clarified, “My point is merely that if legal considerations are the only basis for a decision to appeal there is a good chance that the decision will be made to appeal.”
Furthermore, Morgan elaborated on the potential legal strategies that Ripple may adopt. He explained that the firm might appeal based on distinctions between institutional sales and sales to On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) customers, citing the fact-specific nature of the Howey test.
Morgan also explained the SEC’s logic behind the potential appeal. The lawyer noted, “It means that the SEC thinks the Judge may have made an error and there are arguable grounds of appeal as shown by the fact it sought leave for an interlocutory appeal which some seem to have forgotten.”
Also Read: XRP Ledger Offers Tokenized US Treasury Bills With This New Partnership
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