Ripple Drops Cross Appeal; Are XRP-Spot ETFs Next? BTC Eyes $90k

Ripple has officially withdrawn its cross-appeal in the lengthy legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) concerning the classification and regulatory status of XRP. This marks a pivotal moment, effectively bringing to a close the four-year-long court battle that has drawn significant attention from the cryptocurrency industry, regulators, investors, and market watchers worldwide. The initial lawsuit, filed by the SEC, contested that XRP should be classified as a security, a designation Ripple vehemently disputed, arguing that XRP is more akin to a digital currency similar to Bitcoin or Ethereum, which have largely been exempt from securities regulation. The withdrawal of the cross-appeal by Ripple indicates that the company is concluding its efforts to challenge aspects of the original case outcome, signaling a potential shift in momentum towards resolution and regulatory clarity. This development is seen as highly beneficial to Ripple and the broader XRP community, as it may clear many of the lingering uncertainties surrounding the token’s legal status. One of the most immediate and significant potential outcomes of this resolution is the acceleration of the approval process for XRP-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on the spot market. Industry analysts and market experts are increasingly optimistic, estimating an approximately 85 percent chance that the Securities and Exchange Commission will approve XRP-spot ETFs by December 2025. This represents a substantial positive shift for the cryptocurrency market, especially for XRP holders and institutional investors who have eagerly awaited such investment products. The introduction of XRP spot ETFs would not only provide retail and institutional investors with more accessible and regulated means to invest in XRP, but it would likely also serve as a major catalyst for increased liquidity and adoption. ETFs generally appeal to investors seeking to gain exposure to underlying assets without directly having to hold or manage those assets, and in the case of XRP, this could open the market to a much broader base of participants, including pension funds, hedge funds, and other traditional financial institutions. Furthermore, the resolution of the Ripple versus SEC case underscores a significant milestone for the overall cryptocurrency ecosystem in the United States. The protracted legal struggle had long cast a shadow over the regulatory treatment of digital assets that do not fit neatly into existing categories. A clearer understanding and the potential judicial acknowledgment that XRP is not a security may set a precedent, fostering a more favorable regulatory environment for other digital tokens and blockchain-based projects. Market analysts emphasize that Ripple continuing forward without the burden of this litigation allows the company to focus resources and energies on expanding its network and collaborations with financial institutions globally. Ripple has always positioned itself as a company creating blockchain solutions aimed at transforming cross-border payments, facilitating faster and more cost-efficient transactions worldwide. With the legal issues receding, Ripple is better positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and solidify its role as a major player in the global financial infrastructure. The potential approval of XRP spot ETFs also ties into the broader trend of institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies. Over the past few years, there has been steady growth in institutional interest in digital assets, but regulatory uncertainties have often held back more widespread acceptance and investment. With clearer regulatory guidance and approved financial instruments like ETFs, cryptocurrencies such as XRP can enter mainstream financial portfolios with greater confidence and regulatory oversight. Ripple’s legal battle began in December 2020 when the SEC filed a lawsuit alleging that Ripple and two of its executives had conducted an unregistered securities offering by selling XRP. The case has been closely watched as an indicator of how regulators might treat other cryptocurrencies in the future. Throughout the process, Ripple has maintained that XRP is a currency and not a security, pushing back strongly against the SEC’s claims. Legal experts have pointed out that the outcome of this case could have wide-ranging implications, influencing future regulatory policies and enforcement actions. By withdrawing its cross-appeal, Ripple may be signaling a strategic decision to avoid further prolonged litigation and instead focus on other avenues of growth and regulatory compliance. This pragmatism could facilitate constructive dialogue with regulators and help establish clearer frameworks for digital assets in the U.S. market. In summary, Ripple’s withdrawal from the cross-appeal stage of its legal battle with the SEC marks a crucial turning point that could hasten regulatory clarity around XRP. This legal development is poised to open the door for the approval of XRP-spot ETFs by as early as December 2025, with market analysts predicting a strong likelihood of such approvals. The implications extend beyond Ripple itself, potentially reshaping the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the United States and encouraging broader institutional adoption of digital assets. As Ripple shifts focus from litigation to growth and innovation, the cryptocurrency industry anticipates a new chapter marked by greater legitimacy and accessibility for tokens like XRP.

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