The ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is far from over, and new developments suggest that the saga could continue until at least 2026. This prolonged legal uncertainty has left many XRP investors frustrated, especially as the SEC’s recent appeal of Judge Torres’ 2023 ruling keeps Ripple locked in a protracted court fight. Attorneys Kristi Warner and James Murphy (@Metalawman) provided insights into the situation, offering a deeper understanding of what lies ahead for Ripple and the crypto industry.
Ripple’s Next Move: Filing a Cross Appeal
One of the key points discussed by legal experts is Ripple’s potential strategy to file a cross appeal. According to James Murphy, Ripple has a two-week window to file a notice of cross appeal after the SEC’s move to challenge the ruling. While filing a cross appeal might sound like a risky legal maneuver, Murphy suggests that the downside is minimal for Ripple.
A cross appeal would allow Ripple to challenge specific aspects of Judge Torres’ ruling, particularly those involving the classification of certain contracts as securities. By appealing these points, Ripple could not only increase pressure on the SEC but also potentially eliminate penalties tied to securities violations. This strategy could alter the dynamics of the case, giving Ripple a stronger position in the ongoing litigation.
The Complexities of the Appeal Process
Filing a cross appeal isn’t as simple as just submitting a notice to the court. Ripple would have up to 90 days to file its brief after receiving the court transcript. Once the brief is filed, the SEC would have two weeks to respond, followed by Ripple’s right to submit a reply within 21 days. This back-and-forth legal exchange could take more than a year, and additional briefs from industry stakeholders—such as Coinbase—could further delay the process.
As the crypto industry closely follows this case, amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs from major players in the space could be submitted to support Ripple. These briefs provide external viewpoints that may influence the court’s decision, but they also add layers of complexity to an already lengthy judicial process. The involvement of other crypto entities suggests that the outcome of this case has far-reaching implications for the entire industry, not just Ripple and XRP.
The Potential Impact on XRP and the Crypto Market
One of the biggest questions surrounding the SEC vs. Ripple case is how it will affect XRP’s price. Many investors had hoped that a resolution to the case would pave the way for XRP to reach or even exceed $1. However, with the legal battle likely dragging on for years, any significant price rally may be delayed. The uncertainty surrounding the lawsuit has stifled XRP’s growth potential, leaving investors in limbo.
If Ripple’s cross appeal succeeds and parts of Judge Torres’ ruling are overturned, the company could see penalties related to securities violations disappear. This could significantly boost confidence in XRP, potentially leading to more institutional investment. However, the reverse is also possible—if Ripple loses the cross appeal or if the SEC’s appeal succeeds, XRP could face further regulatory challenges that may harm its adoption and value.
Timeline for Resolution: Could We Be Waiting Until 2026?
James Murphy predicts that a final decision in the Ripple case may not be reached until the first quarter of 2026. After the briefing process concludes, it could take several months for the court to schedule oral arguments. Even after arguments are heard, the judges could take an extended period to issue their ruling.
The situation could be further complicated by political and regulatory changes. For instance, if there’s a shift in leadership at the SEC or a change in the U.S. government’s stance on cryptocurrencies, it might accelerate or delay the case’s outcome. This uncertainty makes it difficult to predict when or how the Ripple case will conclude.
Why This Matters for the Crypto Industry
The SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple is more than just a fight over XRP’s classification—it’s a precedent-setting case that could define how cryptocurrencies are regulated in the U.S. A victory for Ripple could limit the SEC’s authority to regulate digital assets as securities, opening the door for broader crypto adoption. Conversely, if the SEC wins, it could establish a legal framework that places stricter controls on the crypto market, particularly for altcoins like XRP.
The extended timeline for the case also underscores the slow-moving nature of regulatory battles in the crypto space. Investors, companies, and developers alike are left in a state of uncertainty, waiting for regulatory clarity that may not arrive for years. This uncertainty affects not just XRP but also the broader crypto market, as other digital assets could be subject to similar regulatory scrutiny.
Conclusion: Patience Is Key for Ripple and XRP
As Ripple gears up for a prolonged legal fight, XRP investors may need to exercise patience. The legal complexities of the SEC vs. Ripple case suggest that a resolution won’t come anytime soon, with 2026 being the earliest potential endpoint. While there’s optimism that Ripple’s cross appeal could strengthen its position, the road ahead is filled with uncertainties.
Ripple’s legal battle is more than just a case—it’s a defining moment for the crypto industry. The outcome will shape the regulatory landscape for years to come, influencing how cryptocurrencies are classified, traded, and adopted globally. For now, XRP’s journey to $1 remains on hold, but the fight for regulatory clarity continues.
