XRP News Today: SEC Appeal Strategy in Focus as Ripple’s Filing Deadline Nears

SEC vs. Ripple: Countdown Begins for Ripple’s Reply Brief

On Monday, March 17, the SEC vs. Ripple case enters a critical phase as the one-month countdown begins for Ripple to file its appeal-related reply brief. Ripple must file its reply brief by April 16, countering the SEC’s arguments for an appeal. The SEC filed its appeal-related opening brief on January 15, challenging Judge Torres’ Programmatic Sales of XRP ruling.

SEC Shake-Up Raises Uncertainty Over Appeal

Since the SEC’s opening brief filing, significant leadership changes have redrawn the regulatory landscape:

• Gary Gensler stepped down as SEC Chair.
• President Trump nominated former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins (crypto-friendly) as Chair.
• Trump appointed Commissioner Mark Uyeda (crypto-friendly) as Acting SEC Chair.
• Acting Chair Uyeda established the Crypto Task Force, headed by Commissioner Hester Peirce.
• The SEC reassigned Jorge Tenreiro, its lead crypto litigator in the Ripple and Coinbase lawsuits, to the IT department, raising questions about the agency’s crypto enforcement approach.
• SEC disbanded its Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit, creating the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU), comprised of 30 fraud specialists and attorneys.

Paul Atkins’ confirmation would be the final step in the SEC’s overhaul, potentially solidifying the agency’s move away from non-fraud crypto cases. The overhaul and anticipated move away from non-fraud-related cases have fueled speculation about the SEC withdrawing its appeal in the Ripple case.

Will the SEC Withdraw Its Appeal?

With no confirmation hearing date set for Atkins, Acting Chair Uyeda and Crypto Task Force Head Peirce may need to finalize the SEC’s appeal strategy. Given Acting Chair Uyeda’s stance on non-fraud-related cases, the chances of an appeal withdrawal remain high.

In November, Acting Chair Uyeda stated:

“The Commission’s war on crypto must end, including crypto enforcement actions solely based on a failure to register with no allegation of fraud or harm. President Trump and the American electorate have sent a clear message. Starting in 2025, the SEC’s role is to carry out that mandate.”

Judge Analisa Torres issued her Final Judgment in August 2024, ordering Ripple to pay a $125 million penalty for violating US securities laws and mandating compliance with Section 5 of the Securities Act. Notably, Judge Torres’ fine was a fraction of the SEC’s demand for $2 billion as there were no allegations of fraud or recklessness.

The absence of fraud allegations may play a critical role in the SEC’s decision to continue or withdraw its appeal.

XRP Price Outlook: Legal Clarity Could Influence Demand

On Sunday, March 16, XRP ended its five-day winning streak. After a 1.45% gain on Saturday, XRP dropped 4.07% on Sunday, closing at $2.2952. Significantly, XRP underperformed the broader market, which fell 2.39% to a total crypto market cap of $2.65 trillion.

The SEC’s silence on its appeal strategy weighed on investor sentiment, leading to profit-taking ahead of a pivotal week for the crypto market.

Key factors influencing XRP’s price outlook:

• SEC Appeal Strategy: If the SEC withdraws its appeal, XRP could surpass its all-time high of $3.55. However, prolonged legal uncertainty may push prices below $1.50.
• XRP-Spot ETF Prospects: Approval of an XRP ETF could drive institutional inflows and push prices toward $5. However, unresolved legal issues could delay approval.
• Macro Risks: Rising trade tensions and a hawkish Fed policy stance could push XRP toward the February low of $1.7938. Conversely, easing trade tensions and a dovish Fed could support a recovery toward $2.50.

Read expert analysis on what could drive XRP to new highs here.

Bitcoin Faces Pressure Amid Rising Geopolitical Risks and Fed Jitters

XRP’s losses coincided with a Bitcoin (BTC) pullback as investors considered ongoing tariff risks, US recession concerns, and the upcoming FOMC interest rate decision.

An escalation in trade tensions with key US trading partners, Canada, the EU, and China, could drive import prices higher, fueling inflation. A higher inflation outlook may force the Fed to delay rate cuts, impacting consumer spending and economic growth.

On Wednesday, March 19, the Fed will announce its interest rate decision and release quarterly FOMC Economic Projections. Key metrics, including GDP growth, inflation expectations, and Fed Funds Rate (FFR) outlook, could significantly impact BTC demand.

Institutional demand remains under pressure, with the US BTC-spot ETF market extending its outflow streak to five weeks as of March 14.

Bitcoin Price Scenarios: Key Levels to Watch

On March 16, BTC dropped 2.12%, reversing Saturday’s 0.47% gain to close at $82,611. Despite the reversal, hopes of US lawmakers supporting the Bitcoin Act cushioned the downside.

On March 11, Senator Cynthia Lummis reintroduced the Bitcoin Act, which proposes that the US government acquire one million BTC over five years and hold it for a mandatory 20-year period. If enacted, the bill could substantially alter BTC’s supply-demand balance, likely driving prices higher.

Potential BTC price scenarios:

• Bearish: Escalating trade tensions, a hawkish Fed, opposition to the Bitcoin Act, and continued ETF outflows could send BTC toward $70,000.
• Bullish: Easing trade tensions, a dovish Fed, growing Bitcoin Act support, and renewed ETF inflows could propel BTC toward $109,312.

Market Outlook: Key Drivers

Several macroeconomic and regulatory developments could influence crypto market trends in the coming weeks:

• SEC Appeal Decision: An SEC withdrawal could trigger a broad crypto rally.
• US Tariff Policy: Higher tariffs could force the Fed into a more hawkish stance, raising recession risks.
• Strategic BTC Reserve: Support for the Bitcoin Act could drive institutional adoption.
• BTC-Spot ETF Flows: Institutional demand remains a key price catalyst.

An SEC appeal withdrawal could mitigate macro risks, fueling an XRP breakout, while long-term institutional confidence will hinge on greater US regulatory clarity.

Stay updated with our latest insights here.