13-4-2025 – Ripple has emerged from a protracted legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), charting a bold new course under the stewardship of CEO Brad Garlinghouse. Speaking with poise on Fox Business, Garlinghouse heralded the resolution of the dispute, a saga that had long gripped the crypto industry, and outlined Ripple’s ambitious vision for growth in a rapidly evolving regulatory climate.
The legal tussle, which centred on Ripple’s operations, reached its denouement as Gary Gensler’s tenure at the SEC drew to a close. Garlinghouse was candid in his assessment, arguing that the agency’s approach under Gensler had veered off course. With a new SEC chairman at the helm, the regulatory winds have shifted, offering Ripple a chance to pivot towards opportunity. The company is now seizing this moment to redefine its place in the market, most notably through its audacious $2 billion acquisition of Hidden Road—a deal that ranks among the sector’s largest and underscores Ripple’s intent to deepen its footprint in decentralised finance (DeFi).
Financially, the settlement with the SEC carried a $125 million fine, initially held in escrow as the case unfolded. Garlinghouse revealed that Ripple is poised to reclaim these funds, along with accrued interest, reflecting the softened regulatory stance. Yet, the company will not walk away unscathed: $50 million will be paid to the SEC, with an equal sum directed to the U.S. government. In a striking twist, these payments may bypass traditional currency altogether, with Ripple negotiating to settle them in XRP, its native cryptocurrency. Such a move could herald a new era in how crypto firms navigate financial obligations with regulators, blending innovation with compliance.
For Ripple, the close of this chapter marks not an end but a vibrant new beginning. Garlinghouse spoke of a company unshackled, ready to harness its blockchain expertise to serve institutional clients while amplifying its role in DeFi. The shifting U.S. regulatory landscape has granted Ripple greater leeway to operate, and the firm is wasting no time. By leveraging significant XRP transactions and strategic investments,
