TLDR
- SEC’s internal process may delay XRP lawsuit settlement past August 15, despite community hopes for a quick resolution.
- Marc Fagel states a $50M penalty with no injunction is impossible, contradicting XRP community predictions.
- The SEC must finalize its enforcement recommendation before any settlement or dismissal in the XRP case.
- August 15 status report won’t guarantee settlement, as SEC’s internal steps and legal processes remain ongoing.
The Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit has been a long-running legal battle, with the XRP community hoping for a resolution by August 15, 2025. Speculation about a potential settlement has grown, fueled by social media rumors and legal developments. However, Marc Fagel, a former SEC attorney, provided some clarity on the process, explaining why the timeline is uncertain and why a settlement may not be as imminent as some expect.
What the August 15 Status Report Means for the XRP Case
As the August 15 deadline for the Ripple vs. SEC status report approaches, the XRP community remains optimistic about a potential lawsuit settlement. According to an X user, there is a high likelihood of a settlement on or before the status report deadline, with predictions ranging from 70-90%.
This anticipated settlement is believed to involve a $50 million penalty and no injunction, further fueling hopes of an early resolution.
However, former SEC lawyer Marc Fagel contradicted these predictions, pointing out the realities of the case. Fagel explained that the possibility of a $50 million penalty and no injunction is not feasible, as the court has already made a ruling on this issue.
In a post on X, Fagel stated, “The odds of a $50m penalty and no injunction are 0%. The court has already resolved that. Sorry.” This statement challenges the community’s optimism, emphasizing that the legal path forward is clearer than some might think.
Fagel’s comments align with Judge Torres’ previous ruling, which rejected a motion for an indicative ruling and confirmed the $125 million penalty and injunction. This makes a $50 million penalty and no injunction highly unlikely, as Ripple has already paid the $125 million penalty.
The SEC’s Internal Process and Potential Delays in a Settlement
A major factor in whether a settlement or dismissal will occur is the SEC’s internal process. After the June 26 ruling by Judge Torres, the SEC needs time to finalize its enforcement recommendation.
This process is expected to take 1-2 months. Fagel explained that the SEC commissioners must vote on the recommendation before any settlement can be finalized or the case dismissed.
This means that even if a settlement is in the works, it may not happen by August 15. The SEC’s vote and the timing of their internal processes are key factors that could delay a resolution.
Fagel clarified that while there is no fixed deadline for the SEC to act, both parties are required to file a status update by August 15. If a settlement or dismissal occurs, official court filings will follow.
What to Expect After the Status Report
Once the status report is filed, it will provide a clearer picture of where the case stands. If the parties have reached a settlement or agreed to drop their appeals, the court will likely receive official filings confirming this.
However, Fagel pointed out that there is no immediate requirement for action, as the SEC’s internal steps must be completed before any final decisions can be made.
While rumors about a potential settlement have spread, it’s important for the XRP community to understand that the process involves several legal steps.
A resolution could occur in the coming weeks or take longer, depending on the SEC’s internal timeline. Until official updates are provided through court filings, any settlement remains speculative.
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