US SEC To Pause Ripple Lawsuit After Coinbase, Ex-SEC John Reed Stark

Kelvin Munene Murithi
February 19, 2025
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Ripple Provides Guidance To US SEC On Crypto Regulation, Here's All

Highlights

  • SEC may halt Ripple lawsuit following delays in Coinbase, Binance cases.
  • SEC delays in crypto cases signals potential pivot in enforcement strategy.
  • Legal experts hint at possible Ripple settlement ahead of XRP ETF approval.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to pause its Ripple lawsuit following similar actions in its cases against Coinbase and Binance. The regulatory agency has recently requested delays in both cases, signaling a shift in its crypto enforcement approach.

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Will The US SEC Pause Ripple Lawsuit Next?

According to an X post by former SEC official John Reed Stark, the agency may soon put its Ripple lawsuit on hold. Stark highlighted the SEC’s recent decisions to delay legal proceedings against Coinbase and Binance, suggesting that these moves indicate a broader change in enforcement strategy.

On Friday, the SEC informed the Second Circuit Court that its new Crypto Task Force could lead to a resolution in its case against Coinbase. This prompted a request for a delay in responding to Coinbase’s appeal regarding whether securities laws apply to transactions on its platform. A similar joint motion was filed in the Binance case last week, requesting a two-month pause in proceedings.

Stark emphasized that the SEC’s approach to crypto enforcement is changing, stating that the agency’s crypto-related unit has been rebranded from the “Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit” to the “Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit.” This restructuring suggests a potential slowdown or even a halt in SEC-led crypto investigations and litigation.

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SEC Crypto Cases Facing Pauses and Settlements

The SEC has faced multiple lawsuits in its enforcement actions against major crypto firms, including Ripple, Coinbase, and Binance. However, recent developments indicate that the agency may be shifting away from aggressive litigation ahead of Paul Atkins taking charge of the agency.

In the Coinbase case, the SEC and Coinbase jointly requested a delay in court proceedings, citing ongoing regulatory discussions. A similar request was made in the Binance case, where both parties agreed that a temporary pause was necessary while the SEC reevaluated its stance on digital assets.

Stark suggested that these delays could lead to broader settlements or dismissals of crypto-related cases. He noted that the SEC’s approach under previous leadership focused on strict enforcement, but the recent changes signal a different direction. He also pointed out that key SEC trial lawyers previously leading these cases have been reassigned, further supporting the idea that the agency is stepping back from its earlier stance.

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Ripple Lawsuit Likely to Follow the Same Pattern

With the SEC pausing its cases against Coinbase and Binance, legal experts believe that the Ripple lawsuit could face a similar fate. Attorney Jeremy Hogan has recently commented on the matter, stating that the SEC may settle its case against Ripple before approving an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF).

He suggested that a settlement was likely before any ETF approval, reinforcing speculation that the SEC is reconsidering its legal battles with crypto firms. Moreover, with the chances of an XRP ETF approval rising to 80% on polymarket and the US SEC acknowledging three ETF applications so far, the XRP lawsuit end may be looming.

The clash between the SEC and Ripple has been a long-running legal dispute over whether XRP should be classified as a security. A partial court ruling in 2023 determined that XRP was not a security in certain transactions, but the SEC has continued to challenge this decision. If the SEC follows the same pattern as in the Coinbase and Binance cases, and the Elon Musk DOGE investigation on the agency continues, a pause or settlement in the XRP lawsuit may soon follow.

On the other hand, it’s also worth noting that Ripple’s XRP price traded at $2.52, down 2% intraday in line with broader market trends. The coin hit a bottom and peak of $2.47 and $2.62 in the past 24 hours, respectively.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.