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– Ripple ends four-year legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by paying a $125 million fine. Both sides withdraw appeals, removing legal uncertainty surrounding XRP.

XRP is rising amidst increasing bullish sentiment; AI predicts the price to reach $8 amid prospects of ETF approval and expanded partnerships.

After nearly four years, Ripple has officially put an end to its lengthy legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by agreeing to pay a $125 million fine and drop all ongoing appeals. The SEC is also expected to withdraw its own appeal, ending one of the most high-profile lawsuits in cryptocurrency history.

After the legal pressure has subsided, XRP is now trending – both in price and in Google Trends – as bullish sentiment returns to the market.

The legal drama began in December 2020, when the SEC accused Ripple of illegally raising $1.3 billion through unregistered XRP sales.

In July 2023, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres ruled that while XRP is not a security when sold on exchanges, Ripple did violate securities laws in its institutional sales. The court ruled:

Ripple and the SEC initially filed appeals, which has kept the legal uncertainty until now.

The situation changed in November 2024, when Donald Trump won the US presidential election. His pro-cryptocurrency agenda, including the appointment of Paul Atkins to replace SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, ushered in a new era for digital assets.

In early 2025, Ripple and the SEC reached a potential agreement, but a judge rejected the proposed $50 million deal. Ripple decided to accept the court’s decision rather than continue its appeal, closing the case for good.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse officially confirmed via X (Twitter) that the company has withdrawn its cross-appeal and will pay the $125 million fine.

We’re closing this chapter and moving forward, Garlinghouse said.

It is reported that the SEC will soon follow up on the withdrawal of the appeal, which will complete the long-awaited settlement.