Ripple’s native cryptocurrency XRP is surging amid hopes that it will emerge victorious in a landmark securities case against the SEC. With the official ruling expected in just a few days, what could this mean for the crypto market?
In December 2020, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) notified Ripple Labs, Inc. and filed a case against two of its officers. It alleged that Ripple violated federal securities laws. The SEC claims that Ripple made an unregistered securities offering of $1.3 billion in XRP tokens in early 2013.
According to the SEC, XRP is classified as a security under the Howey test. This is a legal test used by the SEC to determine whether a transaction constitutes an investment contract. Ripple has fiercely contested the SEC’s allegations. It argues that XRP is not a security and that the SEC has overstepped its regulatory authority. The case is still ongoing, and its resolution could have huge implications for the broader cryptocurrency industry.
trip is coming to an end
Now it looks like Ripple’s long-standing feud with the SEC may be coming to an end soon. Ripple and its CEO Brad Garlinghouse made their final submission to the court on 2 December.
Ripple’s native cryptocurrency XRP is surging amid hopes that the ruling will favor the fintech firm.

XPR is currently the sixth largest cryptocurrency by market cap. It is currently trading slightly below the $0.45 mark. It appears as though investors with deep pockets are buying up supply, perhaps hoping for a Ripple win.
XRP and the implications for the crypto industry
The extended lawsuit between the fintech firm and the regulatory watchdog could directly impact the overall crypto market. If Ripple wins the case, which Garlinghouse expects to conclude by the second quarter of 2023, it could change how the SEC regulates crypto.
Ripple’s victory is likely to increase the price of other cryptocurrencies as well, especially those similar to XRP.
Here are some possible results and effects:
- XRP may increase in value: If Ripple wins the case, it will clarify the legal status of XRP. This could lead to an increase in the demand for the cryptocurrency and consequently increase in the value of XRP.
- Other cryptocurrencies may benefitRipple’s win could set a precedent for other cryptocurrencies facing regulatory uncertainty. This may bring more clarity on the regulatory status of digital assets. This could increase investor confidence and encourage wider adoption.
- Increased Regulatory Clarity: The Ripple case could clarify the regulatory status of cryptocurrencies, which has been a primary source of uncertainty for the industry. If the court clarifies that XRP is not a security, it could guide other cryptocurrencies, potentially leading to a more favorable regulatory environment.
- Ripple’s business may increaseRipple’s win could boost its business, as it will be able to operate without years of regulatory uncertainty. This could lead to increased adoption of its products, such as its cross-border payment solutions, and further growth for the company.
- Ripple’s reputation may be on the mend: The lawsuit has damaged Ripple’s standing in the eyes of some investors and potential partners. A victory in the case could help restore that reputation, potentially increasing participation and investment in the company.
In short, a victory for Ripple in the SEC lawsuit could have significant implications for the broader crypto markets. Clarification on the regulatory status of digital assets will also boost investor confidence in cryptocurrencies.
If Ripple Ruling Goes South
The decision could also have negative consequences if Judge Analisa Torres rules in favor of the regulators. If so, it could mean that many other cryptocurrencies could also be classified as securities. Earlier this month, Ripple argued that a previous Supreme Court ruling adds credibility to its case and filed court papers saying so.
If cryptocurrencies were to be declared securities in the US, it would mean that they would be subject to the same regulatory requirements and oversight as traditional securities. This would have many implications.
constraints and restrictions
- legal requirementsCryptocurrencies classified as securities will need to comply with the SEC’s registration and disclosure requirements. This means that issuers of these cryptocurrencies will be required to file registration statements with the SEC and provide investors with regular reports on their financial condition and operations.
- trading ban:Cryptocurrencies will be deemed securities subject to trading restrictions under the federal securities laws. For example, they may be traded only on registered securities exchanges, and individuals or entities engaged in trading activities will be required to register with the SEC.
- Potential impact on the crypto market: The declaration of cryptocurrencies as securities could have a significant impact on the entire cryptocurrency market. This could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny, making it more difficult for cryptocurrencies to gain widespread acceptance and adoption.
- Impact on crypto investors: For investors, cryptocurrencies classified as securities will be subject to the same investor protection laws as traditional securities. This means that they would be entitled to certain legal rights and protections. This includes the right to sue the issuer for fraud or misrepresentation.
Overall, the declaration of cryptocurrencies as securities under the SEC will represent a significant change in the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. This could have far-reaching effects on the industry.
However, the outcome of the case remains uncertain, and it is difficult to predict how it will affect the industry.
XRP Classification Comes Down to Howe Test
The Howey Test is used in the United States to determine whether an asset is considered a security. This was in the 1946 Supreme Court case SEC v. WJ Howey Co. It was established by and is used to determine whether an investment contract exists. An investment contract is defined as the investment of money in a common enterprise with the expectation of profits.
Whether or not they pass the Howe test when it comes to cryptocurrencies is still a matter of debate. Some cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, are often considered more like a commodity like gold and, therefore, not subject to securities laws. However, other cryptocurrencies, especially those holding initial coin offerings (ICOs), have been subject to SEC enforcement action for failing the test.
The SEC provided guidance stating whether a particular cryptocurrency or token is a security will depend on the facts and circumstances of the offering, including the economic realities of the transaction. Some of the key factors the SEC considers include whether investors expect to profit from the efforts of others, whether there is a common enterprise, and whether there is a reasonable expectation of profits.
So does Crypto pass the HOW test? Well, it’s not that simple.
Confusion about what?
Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin don’t pass the How test. While bitcoin meets the first step of the test, it does not satisfy the second and third elements. This is because it is not a joint venture and does not depend on others to increase its value. However, the latest SEC crackdown may prove otherwise.
While the Howe test has been widely used to determine the legal status of various types of investments, including cryptocurrencies and digital assets, there is debate among legal experts and regulators as to whether today’s booming Testing in developed financial markets is still substantial.
Some argue that the Howe test needs to be narrow in its definition of a security and that new types of investments, such as tokens and other digital assets, may not fit neatly within its framework.
Speaking to BeInCrypto, Joseph Hall and Jay Massari, partners at the law firm David Polk, also argued that the Howey test needed updating.
Jodi said:
“The Howe test, a sentence in the Supreme Court opinion, was never conceived as a way to answer the questions we face today in regulating crypto markets, where multiple tokens are owned by one business. do not represent and have no claim on the revenue, income or assets of an economic enterprise.
Others argue that the test is flexible enough to accommodate new investment models and that Congress or the SEC should make any changes to the test rather than the courts.
need more clarity
Whether or not to modify the Howe test is a complex legal issue that requires consideration of various factors. These include investor protection, market innovation and the evolving nature of financial transactions.
Ultimately, any changes to testing will depend on the actions of regulators, lawmakers and courts.
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