Fred Rispoli Breaks Down Ripple-SEC Settlement: Case Officially Concluded

The protracted legal battle between Ripple and the SEC has officially reached its end. In a landmark development during March 2025, both parties agreed to withdraw their respective appeals, marking a definitive closure to one of the cryptocurrency industry’s most significant regulatory disputes. The agreement stipulates that the SEC will retain $50 million from the original $125 million penalty, with the remainder being returned to Ripple. This outcome represents a major shift after years of uncertainty surrounding XRP’s regulatory status.

Fred Rispoli Explains the 60-Day Resolution Path

Attorney Fred Rispoli provided crucial insights into the final procedural steps following the settlement announcement. According to Rispoli’s timeline shared on social media, the necessary legal documentation had already been prepared immediately after the official settlement declaration. The resolution process required a Commission vote from the SEC, which was expected to occur within 30 days from late March 2025. Once that vote passed, the SEC would file a motion to lift the injunction that had been imposed during the litigation—a motion Ripple committed not to contest.

Rispoli emphasized the significance of this procedural clarity, projecting that “at most we are 60 days out from this being 100%, formally, legally, and spectacularly over.” This timeline has since been fulfilled, with the case now officially concluded by early 2026. The attorney’s clear breakdown of the remaining steps provided both the Ripple community and XRP holders with concrete expectations about when the legal proceedings would fully terminate.

The Settlement Terms: A Compromise on Both Sides

The financial resolution reflects a negotiated compromise. Under the agreement finalized in March 2025, the SEC retains $50 million of the $125 million penalty—funds that had been held in an interest-bearing escrow account throughout the dispute. Ripple receives back the remaining $75 million, a significant recovery from the company’s perspective. Additionally, the SEC agreed to request judicial dismissal of the injunction that had constrained Ripple’s operations, with Ripple’s commitment to not oppose this motion accelerating the formal conclusion.

What This Resolution Means for XRP and Crypto Regulation

The closure of this landmark case carries substantial implications for the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. Ripple and XRP holders, who endured considerable uncertainty and market volatility throughout the litigation, can now operate with regulatory clarity regarding the asset’s classification. The settlement, while not declaring XRP explicitly as a non-security, removes the regulatory cloud that had hung over the token and the company for years.

This resolution also establishes important precedent for how U.S. regulators approach crypto assets. The structured settlement process, guided by voices like Fred Rispoli’s detailed analysis, demonstrates a pathway toward resolution in complex regulatory disputes. Market participants and other blockchain companies facing regulatory scrutiny now have a concrete example of how these disputes can reach definitive conclusions. The case that began with significant tension has concluded, allowing the industry to move forward with greater regulatory clarity and reduced uncertainty about digital assets’ legal standing in the American financial system.