XRP Surges Past $2.19 Amid Speculation Over SEC Appeal Withdrawal

XRP is gaining momentum as speculation builds around the SEC’s potential withdrawal of its appeal against Ripple. The cryptocurrency rose 2.16% to $2.1926 on March 1, outperforming the broader crypto market, which saw a 1.51% increase.

The rally comes amid ongoing legal uncertainty, with industry experts suggesting that Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could be engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations. If the SEC formally withdraws its appeal, it could remove a significant regulatory barrier, opening the door for an XRP-spot ETF and a potential rally past $3.

What to Know

• XRP rose 2.16% to $2.1926, reversing some of Friday’s losses and outperforming the crypto market.
• SEC remains silent on its appeal strategy, fueling speculation that negotiations with Ripple may be underway.
• Legal experts believe Ripple may seek to vacate key rulings before a settlement is reached.
• If the SEC withdraws its appeal, XRP could break the $3 level, with potential upside from ETF approvals and increased institutional adoption.

XRP Gains Ground as Legal Speculation Mounts

Why is XRP Moving Higher?

The primary driver behind XRP’s latest surge is the ongoing speculation about the SEC’s legal strategy in the Ripple case. Investors believe that Ripple may be negotiating with the SEC to modify certain aspects of the final court ruling before an official settlement is reached.

Despite months of anticipation, the SEC has yet to file an official appeal—a delay that has sparked optimism among XRP holders. The uncertainty has translated into increased buying activity, as traders position themselves for a potentially bullish outcome.

How a Settlement Could Impact XRP

A settlement between Ripple and the SEC could have major implications for XRP’s long-term growth, including:

1. Regulatory Clarity – A definitive resolution would remove legal uncertainty surrounding XRP, making it more attractive for investors and businesses.
2. Institutional Adoption – Clear guidelines could encourage financial institutions to integrate XRP into their operations.
3. ETF Potential – If the SEC formally acknowledges XRP as a non-security, the chances of an XRP-spot ETF approval would significantly increase.

Is the SEC Deliberately Stalling?

Ripple’s $125 Million Penalty and the Judge’s Ruling

In August 2024, Judge Analisa Torres issued a final judgment, requiring Ripple to pay a $125 million fine for violating securities laws related to institutional XRP sales.

However, the judge denied the SEC’s request for disgorgement and prejudgment interest, marking a partial victory for Ripple.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Attorney James “MetaLawMan” Murphy speculated that Ripple may be negotiating with the SEC to vacate key rulings before agreeing to any settlement. If this is the case, it would explain why the SEC has yet to move forward with an appeal.

Murphy argues that a withdrawal of the SEC’s appeal would be a game-changer for XRP, as it would eliminate the risk of further legal battles and clear the way for broader market acceptance.

“If the SEC drops its appeal, it would be a huge win for XRP investors. This could lead to institutional adoption and a significant price breakout.”

Could XRP Hit $3 or Higher?

Key Catalysts for an XRP Rally

If the SEC withdraws its appeal, XRP could be poised for a major breakout. Here’s why:

• Regulatory Green Light – Without legal uncertainty, crypto exchanges and financial firms could confidently integrate XRP.
• ETF Approvals – The success of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has fueled speculation that XRP could be next.
• Institutional Demand – If banks and payment providers increase their use of XRP for cross-border transactions, liquidity and adoption will surge.

Resistance and Price Targets

• Immediate Resistance: $2.30 – Breaking this level could trigger further upside.
• Next Major Target: $3.00 – A psychological level that XRP hasn’t seen since 2018.
• Long-Term Potential: $5+ – If an ETF is approved and institutional demand skyrockets.

Challenges and Risks to Watch

Despite the growing optimism, there are still key risks that could impact XRP’s trajectory:

SEC Could Still Proceed with an Appeal

If the SEC decides to challenge Judge Torres’ ruling, it could delay regulatory clarity and negatively impact market sentiment.

Market Conditions and Bitcoin’s Influence

XRP’s price action is still tied to Bitcoin’s overall market trends. A BTC correction could drag XRP down, even if regulatory news remains positive.

Lack of ETF Approval

Even if the SEC drops its appeal, it doesn’t guarantee an XRP-spot ETF approval in the near term. Regulatory delays could slow institutional adoption.

Final Thoughts: XRP’s Future Looks Promising

XRP’s recent price action suggests that investors are optimistic about an SEC withdrawal, and if that materializes, we could see XRP surge past $3.

The potential for an XRP-spot ETF, increased institutional adoption, and a clear regulatory framework make the current market environment bullish for XRP. However, traders should remain cautious, keeping an eye on SEC developments and overall market trends.

For now, XRP remains one of the most closely watched cryptocurrencies, with huge upside potential if key regulatory hurdles are removed.

Stay informed with the latest XRP news and analysis as the market navigates this pivotal moment.