- SEC vs Ripple lawsuit nearing potential end (Apr 16 date eyed) after settlement
- Coinbase files for XRP futures (Apr 21 launch), citing improved regulatory picture
- Analysts link XRP price volatility/outlook to lawsuit milestones & futures launch
As the long-standing legal feud between Ripple Labs and the SEC approaches its potential final chapter, recent developments – from courtroom filings to institutional product moves – signal a potentially transformative period for XRP and its regulatory standing.
SEC vs. Ripple Nears Final Chapter: What’s at Stake?
Following the SEC’s recent withdrawal of its appeal and a finalized $50 million settlement agreement, the Ripple community and broader market eagerly anticipate the lawsuit’s ultimate conclusion.
Some analysts, like John Squire, speculate that a key date like April 16 could mark the end of the years-long standoff. A final resolution, particularly one perceived favorably for Ripple, could significantly shift XRP’s regulatory classification and unlock further institutional adoption.
Adding a peculiar footnote to recent docket activity, journalist Eleanor Terrett highlighted an “emergency” filing by Justin Keener. While Keener (who previously faced SEC action himself over penny stocks) claims to have “decisive evidence” related to the Howey test, the filing’s substance remains unclear and its legal impact uncertain.
Coinbase Futures Filing Signals Shift Post-SEC Retreat
Perhaps more significantly, the improving regulatory picture appears to be driving institutional re-engagement.
Coinbase Derivatives announced it filed with the CFTC to self-certify XRP futures contracts, targeting an April 21 launch. This would make Coinbase the second US-regulated platform offering such products.
Related: XRP vs BTC: Glassnode Data Contrasts Retail vs Institutional Rally Paths
Lawyer Highlights Changing Circumstances
Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton contextualized this move, recalling Coinbase’s 2019 consultation with the SEC about listing XRP. Coinbase shared analysis aligning with the SEC’s own 2018 internal memo that reportedly did not recommend enforcement against XRP then – highlighting the complex history preceding the SEC’s December 2020 lawsuit alleging all XRP were securities. The emergence of regulated futures now signals a potential regulatory thaw.
Further evidence of this shift includes numerous spot XRP ETF filings from major asset managers like Bitwise, Grayscale, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, WisdomTree, and CoinShares, alongside other XRP-linked product pursuits by ProShares and Volatility Shares.
XRP Price Action Tied to Legal, Market Milestones
Market analysts are interpreting XRP price action in light of these legal and institutional developments.
Egrag Crypto offered a projection for April, suggesting XRP might see volatility, potentially revisiting lows near the $1.79-$1.90 range before testing highs between $2.80-$3.00 (Note: These specific price targets from the analyst should be viewed with caution given recent XRP price levels).
Egrag anticipates a strong rebound (62-70% upside move) following any potential final “wick down,” suggesting the current “boredom phase” often precedes major moves. He links a potential “final blastoff” to the anticipated April 16 legal milestone and the April 21 futures launch.
Currently, XRP shows a slight gain (up almost 2% over 24 hours) but remains below key resistance near its 20-day EMA. A bullish breakout reclaiming this moving average could open the path towards higher resistance zones. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) near 41 shows a rising gradient, indicating increasing buying pressure, though still in relatively low territory.
Related: Trump Says ‘Boom’, Market Proves ‘Bust’: Tariffs Cause Massive Sell-Off
Outlook: Lawsuit Endgame Crucial for XRP’s Future
The coming weeks appear critical for XRP. The final stages of the SEC lawsuit, combined with concrete steps toward institutional products like Coinbase’s futures, will heavily influence investor sentiment and potentially dictate XRP’s market trajectory beyond short-term volatility.
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