The longstanding legal battle between Ripple 
$2 and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to stir unease within the cryptocurrency world. Traditionally, the SEC was blamed for delays in concluding the case. However, legal expert Bill Morgan suggests that Ripple is the primary source of the latest holdups. Morgan reveals that Ripple has moved to court to revoke the order restricting XRP sales, a move that the SEC has surprisingly supported. This maneuver has obstructed the anticipated resolution. Though the next official schedule update is set for August 15, 2025, former SEC official Marc Fagel indicates that a decision might emerge earlier.
Why is Ripple Pushing for the Ban’s Removal?
Bill Morgan explains that Ripple’s priority lies in eliminating the court-imposed ban that restricts XRP sales to institutional clients. Interestingly, the SEC has not contested Ripple’s petition and seems to back the process. When asked if the lifting of the ban is a necessity for Ripple, Morgan clarifies it’s crucial for Ripple rather than XRP investors, focusing on restoring the company’s institutional sales capabilities.
The discussion also touches on whether Ripple might still face fines even if the ban is lifted. Morgan confirms that the judge possesses the authority to impose a fine concurrently with lifting the ban, indicating these outcomes are independent of each other.
When Will the Final Decision in the Ripple-SEC Case Be Made?
The cryptocurrency community remains frustrated with the persistent delay in resolving the case. Marc Fagel, a former SEC official, emphasizes that August 15, 2025, is not an absolute deadline. He suggests that Judge Analisa Torres could render a decision at any moment, whether in hours, days, or weeks, as her pending ruling allows.
Fagel recalls that Judge Torres ruled against Ripple last year, imposing a $125 million fine and a permanent ban. The ongoing case stems from both parties appealing the decision and requesting modifications, a fact Fagel stresses shouldn’t be blamed on the judge but on the parties involved.
Morgan believes a decision could arrive sooner and warns that additional delays might incite fresh appeals, further stalling settlement discussions. Currently, both sides have signed an agreement, suspended appeals, and submitted necessary documentation. Now, all that’s left is for Judge Torres to deliver her verdict. If approved, Ripple will pay a $50 million fine, the ban will be lifted, and both parties’ appeals will be nullified.
